In the sporting world, soccer has a unique place. Unlike other sports, it does not define a community. Rather, it is defined, shaped, and molded by its participants to be a reflection of a community’s greater self.
How a team performs, acts, celebrates and overcomes adversity, are all little windows allotting views to a much bigger picture. Soccer success is not created solely by the players currently on the field, nor the fans in the stands.
Soccer culture is a culture of community. As with any team that has its accomplishments, and disappointments, the teams that wear the words Fannin, or Rebels across the tops of their shirts act as a reflection of all those involved.
At Fannin County High School, we are blessed to have two teams that reinforce the greatness of our community with their play on the field, and their performances in the classroom. In looking closer at each of our varsity squads, one word jumps out. FAMILY. Our teams represent our community with distinction, because for many of our student athletes, playing for the Rebels is a family effort.
Many of our players are following in the footsteps of an older sibling who wore the blue and white before them. The Rebels soccer team work horse Hernan Mares draws inspiration from his older sister Gabby, who played with distinction for the Lady Rebels.
Lady Rebels starting Goalkeeper Rachael Jessen is focused on dedication and hard work, just like her older sister, Sage Kafsky. Rose Ballew had her older sister Lilly to look up to. Kinsley Sullivan drew inspiration from her older brother Grant. Super sophomore Garett Mervine wears the same number 22 jersey that his older brother Gavin did. No doubt Gavin was excited to learn his brother scored the game winner against perennial powerhouse East Hall recently.
Some of our players have younger siblings to set examples for. Corbin Head has had an excellent year for the men’s team. No doubt his younger brother Conrad will be looking to do the same when he gets to the high school level.
The same can be said for Daniel and Isabel Espinoza. Daniel has had a breakout year with Isabel cheering him on. Madison Ponton has been a force to be reckoned with for the Lady Rebels and no doubt has set a standard for her younger brother Matthew to strive for when he gets to High School.
Hayden Lynch is a superb player for the high school team, but his younger brother Hudson was quoted as saying “I can be even better.” Setting a goal that will bring out the best in both brothers. Eli Brisbay has a mini me in brother Hayden. Both will be an impact for the high school team next season.
In a unique situation, men’s team Assistant Coach Adam Turner enjoys watching daughter Lyndsay serve as one of the anchors on defense for the Lady Rebels. His nephew Turner Michael will be playing for the men’s team next season.
Multiple sets of siblings currently play for Fannin County. For the Ladies; Ashley and Chelsey Frye set a tone of mental toughness that is unmatched.
On the men’s side Michael and Samuel Dillard possess a swiftness with the ball that opponents are often awestruck by.
Senior Sydney Jones does it all for the Lady Rebels. Often the game’s high scorer, Jones can play at any position and displays unmatched quality with the ball at her feet. Her little Brother Andrew is the men’s team leading scorer.
In the 2020 season, Andrew was all but undefendable for opponents on the field. His game winning goal against Union County prove that to be true.
Sometimes Rebels come in sets of three. Next season, the men’s squad will have brother Juan, Gio, and Jahir Leal all together for one season only. Likewise, the Lady Rebels currently have three sisters on their squad. Sarah Sosebee has served as a captain and is one of the leading forces on the ladies team. A powerhouse player with a reputation for never giving up, sets an example for younger sisters Hallie and Hannah, who look to follow their big sisters footsteps in Lady Rebel Fame.
Even the players that do not have, had, or will have a family player play soccer at Fannin County, they serve as an inspiration to future players in the community.
In recent years, the number of successes for the Rebels’ squads has been evident on and off the field.
Both squads have reached new heights thanks to the efforts of the players, parents, school staff, and community members that have embraced the sport of soccer.
As America’s fastest growing sport continues to dominate the athletic interests of players and fans alike, it is the presence of family and community that will continue to drive and mold the success of one of Fannin County High School’s most exciting programs.