Page 106 - South Mississippi Living - April, 2019

SPORTS & OUTDOORS kickin’ it SCORIN’
BIG
Head Coach Danny Owens
William Carey Lady Crusaders Are National Champions
story by A.J. Giardina
photos courtesy of William Carey University
Head coach Danny Owens is the engineer of one of the top women’s NAIA soccer programs in the country. In 14 seasons he’s guided William Carey University to 10 trips to the National Tournament, capped off
by a truly remarkable 2018 season. His Lady Crusaders celebrated the National Championship with a 1-0 win over Keiser (Florida) in the title game in Orange Beach, Alabama, in December.
It’s been four months since that
amazing accomplishment. However,
the thrill of winning the program’s
first National Championship and only
the second in school history (1969
record. She was named the 2018 NAIA National Championship Outstanding Defensive Player and first team All-America.
“Winning the National Championship after working so hard these past four years really made every second worth it,” Stewart said. “I am so thankful
to have played for coach Owens and assistant coaches Ryan Weir and Chloe Crook. As for being named Defensive MVP, I couldn’t believe it when they called my name.”
Stewart is moving to Chicago in the summer to play for the Red Stars Reserve pro team.
A knee injury sidelined senior forward Alex Musial in September. That didn’t stop the St. Patrick High graduate from attending all training sessions. Musial said, “I became a huge cheerleader. I wanted to be there because when I came in as a freshman, our coaches promised us we would compete for a National Championship. It was amazing.”
Freshman midfielder Chrestine Nielson hails from Denmark. “The
girls were
determined to win it all for coach Owens and we got it for him,” she said.
With a target on their back as national champions, Owens has his team working harder this spring. The National Coach of the Year said, “Our goal for 2019 is simple...Repeat!”
Baseball), remains fresh in their minds.
William Carey
“We have developed a winning
Lady Crusaders
culture, having set standards and high
team win National
expectations every year,” said Owens.
Championshp
“Our coaching staff recruits players who can adjust to our style of play.” William Carey has an international
roster with players from Mississippi, Texas, Denmark, Spain and Finland. Senior April Stewart of Pascagoula helped guide William Carey to a 21-3
106 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • April 2019
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