The Oconee County High School girls soccer team was crowned AAA state champion for the second consecutive season. The Warriors defended their title by defeating Wesleyan 2-1 last Wednesday at McEachern High School.
Oconee County took the lead with a goal from Kate Walker after Darby Bolan's shot hit the post. Walker showed great instincts and composure as he followed up on the shot.
Wesleyan fought back with a goal before the first half, but sophomore Jasmine Lockamy scored in the 58th minute when she cut in from the left side and fired a powerful shot that beat the Wesleyan keeper. From there, the Warriors withstood the pressure the rest of the way and secured the victory.
Head coach Judson Hamby has done a phenomenal job this season. Hamby, who replaced former head coach Scott Bates, understands that he already has a successful foundation and will build on that foundation rather than unnecessarily tearing it down and replacing it with only his own ideas. I did.
Hamby believes the chemistry between his players helped him overcome some growing pains when taking over the team.
“Their team chemistry was probably one of the best I've experienced,” Hamby said. “I think it helped us at a time when we were in waves trying to understand each other.”
Hamby said the Warriors' defense was a big talking point during practices and games earlier in the season, but it was at its best in the playoffs. The unit had an exceptional defensive record, allowing just one goal in five postseason games.
Seniors Ella Hayes and Tristan Hunt, who play varsity soccer, helped bring in some of the younger players, getting them acclimated to the season and keeping them encouraged.
The team's 2024 senior class takes the program to new heights and new levels of success, departing with two state championship wins.
Hamby said what makes this senior class special, in addition to being outstanding players on the field, is their character off the field.
“They're great kids, great students, and they're involved in the school a lot. They're all going to do great things in the future. That's reflected in what they get from the team and how they helped the team. I think so,” Hamby said. “They came to the JV games to cheer us on. Our freshman class was so large, so they basically did a lot of the 'mother hein',” but they I knew that none of the kids knew what Oconee soccer was. They wanted to leave a great legacy for the program and establish that model. ”
Hayes said it was an emotional win because he believes this is the last time he will play with his teammates at Oconee County High School.
“After the game, I really took it all in and cherished the moment and hugged each and every one of the seniors on the field knowing it was the last time I would play with them,” Hayes said. “It was definitely tough, but it was also a very happy feeling. I cried, but it was tears of joy because I was able to win a state championship again with my best friends.”