Clinton Lady Arrow soccer team recognized at banquet
By Danny C. Davis
The 2025-26 Clinton High School Lady Arrow soccer team was recognized at the annual awards banquet held at Anderson Hall at Mississippi College on March 30.
Clinton finished the season 14-6-3 and 8-2 in Region 2-7A and made the playoffs. CHS defeated Lewisburg 3-1 at home in the opening round of the MHSAA Class 7A girls soccer playoffs, but fell at Tupelo 5-4 in the quarterfinals. The game ended in a scoreless 0-0 tie in regulation and two scoreless overtime periods. The game was decided in a shootout won by Tupelo, 5-4. Tupelo made one more overtime shot to win and end the Lady Arrows’ season.
The banquet was sponsored by the Lady Arrows soccer booster club.
Amanda Acy, booster club president, welcomed special guests and thanked the coaching staff and booster club for their hard work.
“Soccer teaches our girls a lot about life,” said Acy. “Also, a big thanks to our soccer booster board that have been the back bone of our organization.”
The invocation was given by Dr. Brian Fortenberry.
Coach Andrew Rafferty, Arrow strength and conditioning coach and also Lady Arrow soccer assistant, was recognized for his help keeping the girls in good physical shape and always having them ready to play.
Coach Thomas Bobo, the previous CHS head coach, this past season coached the Lady Arrow junior high team.
“They were a lot of fun to coach,” said Bobo. “Not many schools in our area have a junior high girls soccer program, so we had to double up without opponents.”
“Thanks to our administration for the support,” continued Bobo. “It was a very good year and good effort by the girls preparing them for the varsity program and let the girls experience what the high school program will feel like. We improved from game to game, and they really played hard.”
Bobo then presented the junior high Most Valuable Player award to Norah Pradhan.
Coach Will Nations coached the girls junior varsity team this year.
“Thanks to Coach Rimmer for letting me coach the junior varsity this year,” said Nations. “This was my first time to coach on the girls side. It was a very rewarding experience. The girls have a lot of passion about soccer, and I would like to thank our administration for giving me this opportunity to coach. Thanks to the girls for their effort.”
Nations then presented the junior varsity Most Valuable Player award.
“This girl really stood out on the JV team throughout the season and was a leader,” said Nations, as he presented the JV Most Valuable Player award to Edi Renick.
Head Coach Elliot Rimmer and assistant coaches then presented the varsity awards.
Taylor Robinson received the Arrow Award, Ellyn Burchfield was named Most Valuable Player, and Senior Awards were presented to Kayla Jones, Carly Howell, Olivia Lamier and Ruby Acy.
All senior girls were recognized, and then closing remarks were given by Coach Rimer.
“No one achieves success by themselves,” said Rimmer. “Our success is influenced by our families, teachers, coaches, friends and even strangers. This team has done an excellent idea of embodying that. I was a recipient of that growing up, and I can say these seniors have had that type of attitude – that the success of our team was not about them, but came from the people that helped them get there. I want to thank you players and parents for all you did for us this year.”