| The Carbon Raptors girls soccer team returned home after competing in the Utah Summer Games. The team has practiced for months for the opportunity to compete in the games and their efforts turned out successful with an 8-14 record. |
The Carbon County Raptors soccer team recently returned from the Utah Summer Games. The 45 member team has been practicing since March through the snow, rain, wind and sun to prepare for competition.
The team is headed by coach Chad Lopez who took one team of nine and 10 year old girls to the summer games last year. It was such a great experience for all involved that two additional teams were incorporated into the Raptors club this season.
Three teams were formed this year which were broke down into different age divisions. This year the teams were coached by Gary McKibben, Mike Tatton, Troy Bitters and Steven Lopez.
In order to compete in the Summer Games, the girls had to earn over $4,000 for team entry fees, uniforms, bags, nets and balls. Through hard work and many hours of service projects along with parental support, the girls succeeded at earning this fee and competed in the games.
There were 179 soccer teams that competed in the summer games this year. The Carbon Raptors did quite well, finishing with a record of 8-14. Several of the girls who competed on the team had never played soccer before, but through practice, each athlete made great improvements.
Carbon High girls soccer coach Dave Capalbo was suprised and excited to see so many young girls interested in soccer. The junior team will allow the girls to gain valuable experience and by high school, the girls will be able to compete quite well with schools from across the state.
Members of the Raptors team include Lauren Barnett, Whitney Oliver, Rebecca Rummell, Erika Potts, Kayla Namanny, Kara Palmer, Natasha Henrie, Jordan Tatton, Veronica Cazares, Kelly Dunmire, Taylor Nielsen, Brenda Davis, Megan Garvin, Elisabeth Smith, Shylie Richardson, Samantha Olson, Cortney McKibben, Nichole Davis, Megan Tubbs, Felicia Olmos, April Metelko, Cassandra Cunningham, Anneliese Houghton, Patricia Smith, Samantha Smith, Britni Greenwood, Kelsey Tatton, Emily Cox, Jasmine Moncada, Karlee Martino, Karly Forsyth, Alexis Oliver, Lacy Stevens, Chelsie Bitters, Heather Woodruff, Ashley Tryon, MeLisa King, Sara Hribar, Bonnie Hribar, Marissa Metelko, April Milano, and Nichole Milano. Raptor goalies include Brittany McKibben, Paige Pinedo, and Kaylee Davis.