With the loss of eight seniors who received a great quantity of playing time and recognition last year, the Center Hill High School girls soccer team is moving forward with new leadership.

Four seniors, Annie Chan, Chynna Lee, Tiffany Ogden and Kiersten Smith, have stepped up into the leadership roles the team needs this year.

Seniors “tend to get the stereotype of ruling over others, but anyone can take leadership,” said Chan, the team’s captain. “I might have the title of being a senior, but I make sure everyone is included and has a say. It’s more about having an influence or impact that directs someone in the positive path that defines leadership rather than having a dictatorship.”

The girls have a difficult schedule, playing opponents such as Southaven and DeSoto Central, but Lee is optimistic about their chances.

“Nothing is going to come easy, but everyone on the team has worked hard and I can’t wait to finally put all our talents together this season and hopefully come out with some wins,” she said.

Coach David Burgess said the team is changing things up this season.

“Last year we had our first losing record in eight years,” he said. “We are determined not to repeat that. We lost eight seniors last year, but the other players have been working hard. Now, it’s their team and their turn to rep the Hill.”

Burgess also said that the team is playing a new formation this season with players in different positions than they had previously played. Olive Branch High School has also been added into their district, but he believes the team will still do well.

He said that the team wants to “win the [district playoff game] and cause some havoc in the playoffs. My goal for the players is to come together as a team and step on the field to go to war together. Everything we do we have to do together.”

Center Hill’s first home game is against New Albany on Nov. 10. Senior Night is against Olive Branch on Jan. 16.