SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) — If you had told the CE Bird girls soccer team that they would be Division I state runners-up at the beginning of the season, they would have been shocked to say the least. .
“Honestly, I never thought I would make it this far,” said Natalie Dvorakova, a senior international student. “I'm really happy that I made the starting eleven and started enjoying my football. We fought for each other. I'm really happy that we achieved that.”
Early this year, Bird had some missing pieces on the team.
“We had to replace eight starters from last year,” Bird head coach Lisa Leverman explained. “Then we had a freshman keeper come in. She came from out of town in October, so we threw her into the boiling pot.”
The 11th-seeded Lady Jackets have had a rocky start to the year, spending most of the season under the radar. But when it mattered most, Byrd made sure everyone knew they were a force to be reckoned with.
The Lady Jackets advanced to the LHSAA Division I state title game, where they lost to St. Scholastica Academy, 2-1.
“It was probably one of the best seasons we've had with this team,'' Coach Leverman said. “We went through ups and downs. I squeezed them with the schedule I gave them, but they just kept playing on the road.”
Dvorakova took the free kick for Bird's only goal against the Dubs.
The midfielder has only been with the Lady Jackets for one year, but her dynamic skills and influential leadership bring extra energy to the 2023-2024 team.
“She's a star, but first and foremost she's a team player,” Leverman said. “That's what she brings to the team. In addition to her incredible soccer IQ and skills, she's become a team player.”
Although the Lady Jackets won't be able to bring home another state title, their spirits were still high after making an unexpected playoff berth this season.
“Honestly, I think anything is possible,” Dvorakova said. “If you enjoy the moment and have fun on the field, you can go far.”
Coach Leverman and the Lady Jackets are excited to return next year with a talented group of girls with state championship experience, given the small number of graduates.