Freedom Girls Soccer Poised to Make School History

Chris Hinkle has already established a solid reputation as head coach of Freedom Patriot girls soccer. Now in their third consecutive regional appearance, the Patriots are poised to make school history.

Patch: How important is it for you to push deeper into regionals this year?

Hinkle: We haven't been any further than the semifinals. It would be great to help build the program and earn some reputation to push even further this year.

Patch: How does tonight's loss to Steinbrenner affect you going into regionals?

Hinkle: It builds our confidence. It shows we have the talent to go out there and beat them or anybody.

Patch: How does this year's team measure up to last year's?

Hinkle: Well, we only lost one starter off of last year's team; we're much the same as far as personnel. We had some bumps at the beginning but it seems like the pieces are falling into place now.

Patch: What has been the most pleasant surprise of this season so far?

Hinkle: They way we've contained people. The way certain girls have stepped up. Also the way our underclassmen support our upperclassmen.

Patch: What was your most hard-fought victory thus far?

Hinkle: The Gaither game. Even though it was a 2-0 win, they were really coming at us hard and we were able to stand it.

Patch: What defeat have you learned the most from?

Hinkle: Tonight's game. We learned that every minute counts, even the last minute-and-a-half of the second overtime. I think we might have been looking ahead to penalty kicks and we got caught.

Nevertheless, the Freedom girls move on to regionals. They will face George Jenkins of Lakeland in the first round and will face Steinbrenner in the second round of regionals, should both teams advance.