Few programs would consider a loss in the State Group IV semifinals and a 20–4–1 record a failure, but when you’ve experienced as much winning as Lenape girls’ soccer has in recent years, that’s exactly what it is.
“High expectations are the expectation at Lenape. This school has such an amazing tradition of success that each year the team feels a sense of pride and a responsibility to uphold and add to that tradition,” head coach Kevin Meder said.
The tradition of success Meder speaks about is not just cliché “coach speak.” From 2007 through 2011, Lenape won the State Group IV title every year, good for the second longest streak of consecutive titles in the history of the state. Meder knows that success will not continue without putting in the work starting with camp on Aug. 21.
“Our kids realize and we emphasize focusing on the little things in practice. They know that nothing will be handed to them on reputation alone, that they have to put in the work if they want to continue Lenape’s tradition of success,” Meder said. “Taking things one day at a time is a cliché for a reason.”
The Lady Indians will rely on their four captains to help preach that message to incoming players.
“Rachelle Ross, Courtney Norton, Kenie Wright and Lizzie Kinkler are our team captains and people I will lean on in helping to lead this team. Rachelle and Courtney are both seniors, both have played four years varsity so there is a good mix of experience throughout the team,” he said.
While winning titles and competing for state championships is the goal at the beginning of every season, Meder spoke to having a larger goal for the soccer program as a whole.
“Our tradition and the experience these girls have here is important to me. I take pride in ensuring they have a fun, rewarding and ultimately memorable experience,” Meder said. “I enjoy when our alumni come back to visit the school or come to the games and they speak about the experience they had here at Lenape and that they miss it. That’s a source of pride for me and the program.”
The Olympic Conference offers no breaks for the Lady Indians as every team finished with a record over .500 last season. Meder expects more of the same this year.
“We have such a difficult schedule but to me that’s fun. Every game in the Olympic American is competitive; all the teams perform at such a high level that really every game has become a rivalry game. It’s awesome, what high school soccer should be about,” Meder said.
Meder said Mt. Laurel as a township has been an incredible help to Lenape’s success as it is the feeder system for the Lady Indians.
“So many of our girls come into the fall as freshman already playing at a high level. We benefit from a lot of contributions from underclassmen,” Meder said.
The excitement for the upcoming season can be heard in Meder’s voice as camp nears.
“We’re excited to get the season underway, to defend our South Jersey title, our coaches cup title and hopefully to compete for even more,” Meder said.
