Beaufort – Just when advancing to the third round of the state playoffs seems a little disappointing, you know the program is on the right track.
East Carteret's girls soccer team lost 11-2 to eventual undefeated state champion Manteo in the third round last year.
“Last year we got to the third round and the girls were like, ‘Wow,’” said Antonio Diaz, who is in his 16th season as coach. “The girls were upset about it. The girls, especially the seniors, want to make the playoffs and we want our seniors to do well. Very competitive. It’s good to have a girl with that.”
The Mariners had advanced to back-to-back district finals in 1A and 2A after realignment. In the past nine seasons, they have advanced to the fourth round twice and reached the state finals. They had a record of 103 wins, 63 losses, and nine losses in nine seasons.
Diaz praised the coaching staff for leading him through preseason practices after he had to leave the county due to the sudden death of his wife. Silke Diaz died on February 13th while visiting his parents in Germany.
“My assistant coaches were in charge of the first five days of practice,” he said. “Coach (Karl) Wolff, coach (Adam) Popp and coach (Adrian) Baker have helped us a lot. They have some really nice girls.”
This year's team has the look of a team capable of making it to the postseason.
Sidney Roberson, who led the team with 42 goals and ranked third with 22 assists, was the only senior on the 2023 team.
“I’m definitely going to miss Sydney, but my third and second grade classes were really good,” Diaz said.
Kenrianna Dixon led the team with 28 assists and was second with 40 goals. Tiana Staryu was second with 23 assists and third with 22 goals. Kate Wolf had 18 assists and six goals, and Brynley Thompson had nine assists and seven goals. Emerson Tarr was the team's top defender.
“That's what we call the 'Great Five,'” Diaz said of the senior class. “They've probably been playing soccer since they were five years old and have been playing together on the same team for a long time. They're going to be the backbone of the team.”
Sophomores were also a big part of last year's team, with Ashlyn Barney, Kayla Foster, Andy Migliore and Maggie Murray receiving the most minutes.
Another junior has joined the team.
This winter, Diaz, who coached the women's wrestling team in its first year as a sanctioned sport, scouted wrestler Ella Buzbee.
“I saw her good work ethic and athletic ability and tried to convince her that she would be a good soccer player,” he said. “She's growing, so I think that's going to help her.” She's aggressive and in great shape. ”
Jenna Jackson shined as a freshman keeper last season, recording 97 saves and 13 clean sheets in 23 games.
“She played really well as a freshman,” Diaz said. “She's got more experience, she's got more muscle, she's more physical.”
The roster is completed by a freshman class of seven.
“We have a really strong starting lineup and some good subs,” Diaz said. “There are a lot of good things. Only injuries should stop us. We have the experience, we have the numbers and we have the talent.”
The Mariners begin the season at home against Havelock on Tuesday.
