Lady Mustangs get send off to soccer tournament

JACKSON, Tenn. – Madison Academic High School set off their girls soccer team with all of the Mustang pride at the end of the school day on Tuesday.

We talked with the coach and players about the third state tournament appearance for the team. 

District 14A Champions will go for gold this week as the Lady Mustangs have advanced to the TSSAA, Class A girls’ soccer tournament. 

Coaching the Lady Mustangs comes with some core values that are taught to the girls. 

“We look for energy and effort. We want to make sure that the players are putting forth 100% intensity at every practice and every game,” said Jeremy Young, the Lady Mustangs soccer coach.

One senior has been playing soccer since she was three-years-old and has played club soccer for eight years. 

A person who has taught her a lot over the years is her club soccer coach, Coach JJ.

“He encourages you to be a better player and that is something I have always looked forward to but he does tell you when you are doing wrong and that also pushes me to be a better player, I think,” said Ximena Acosta, a senior and Attacking Midfielder.

She’s also learned a lot of advice this season from her current coaches.  

“Any athlete can get a little bit overworked and frustrated when playing their sport, so learning how to be patient and relaxing. That’s something I’ve encouraged my teammates this year is to relax on the ball, take a deep breath, and look around you before you make a decision,” Acosta said.

The Lady Mustangs will face Merrol Hyde at Chattanooga Girls Preparatory School in the quarterfinals Wednesday at 1:30 p.m.

For tournament bracket information and game day links, click here.

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