HARDWICK – Despite having to adjust to their third coach in three seasons and moving up a division, the Hazen Union girls soccer team looks primed to be a contender once again this season.
The Lady Cats soccer program will start a new era this fall, bringing in championship experience under first year head coach Megan Mercier. The longtime Hazen Union teacher and Middlebury College grad won two state titles at Peoples Academy (PA) under legendary soccer coach Jim Eisenhardt. The PA girls program was a juggernaut for two plus decades under Eisenhardt, capturing four straight state titles from 2011 to 2014, and seven total, winning 50 consecutive matches, including back-to-back undefeated seasons in 2012 and 2013. Mercier was a key cog on those Lady Wolves championship teams in 2008 and 2009 and has remained close to the game, coaching middle school soccer at Hazen the last six years. When Jay Terrien abruptly stepped away from the program after one season, Mercier felt the time was right to test her coaching skills at the varsity level for the first time.
“I’ve had most of these girls on my middle school teams and in my classroom over the years and I care about them all very much. When I heard they needed a coach, it felt like the right time to step up. While this certainly is a high level of soccer, I feel ready to help the girls realize their potential and enjoy the sport as much as I have,” said Mercier.
Mercier takes over a program that won nine games last season and was the No. 3 seed in the Division IV state tournament. Despite the challenges of jumping up a division this fall, the Lady Cats should remain a big factor in Division III, returning nearly their entire roster, while adding another incoming class of talented freshmen.
“I feel so lucky to be part of the girls athletic program at Hazen right now. We have some very competitive and talented athletes across all grades who are not afraid of hard work. More than half of the girls play basketball and have the fire in them to win championships. I hope to channel their innate athleticism and abilities to take on any opponent this season, regardless of division,” said Mercier.
Leading the way for Mercier up front will be senior leading goal scorer and Vermont All-State selection Isabelle Gouin. She also returns junior All-State selection Taylor Thompson and versatile junior Kelsie Rivard, who earned Mountain League First Team honors for her outstanding play in goal and in the field. Rivard and senior Ella Renaud will split time in goal for the Lady Cats and Brianna Holbrook, Julia des Groseilliers, Autumn Dailey, and Craftsbury Academy’s (CA) Adelina Augsberger fortify an experienced defense. Mya Lumsden and CA’s Ada Allen also return to supply some speed on the outside for Mercier.
“All five of my seniors have been phenomenal positive role models and leaders so far, and I’ve been pleased with how they’ve welcomed the younger girls into the fold. We have a very talented group of freshmen who are learning from our veterans that will contribute greatly as well. The team identified footwork and communication as areas they want to improve on this year, and I feel confident in the depth of our bench. We’re excited for the season, and I know that these girls have what it takes to give any team in our division a run for their money!” said Mercier.
The Lady Cats will finish up their second scrimmage of the season on Thursday at Lamoille before officially kicking off the season at Hudson Fields on Saturday against Lake Region at 11 a.m. All games can be streamed live on Hardwick Community Television (hctv.us).
