CORTEZ – After two seasons without a program, the Montezuma-Cortez girls soccer team wasted little time setting a foundation for the future.
Over the past two years, the Panthers transformed into one of the best teams on the Western Slope, entering the spring season as the two-time defending Southwest League champions.
Montezuma-Cortez turns to new coach Melody Harris entering the 2024 season with hopes of continuing the momentum.
Harris will have plenty of firepower to work with, as leading scorer Jordy Mahler returns to the fold, along with senior Anna Jensen and junior Emily Howell. Howell led the team in assists a year ago.
For Harris, one early-season ambition is clear.
“The goal is to build upon the success of last season, but really focus on playing a fundamentally sound game of soccer,” the first-year Panthers coach said.
Senior Grace Darrin anchors a stingy Panther defense, which scarcely allowed just over one goal per match last year on their way to an unbeaten run in league play.
Harris, who also serves as assistant coach for the Dolores wrestling program, brings in a wealth of knowledge to the position. Having played soccer into college, Harris hopes to emulate some of the coaches that guided her playing career.
“I feel a sense of purpose with the opportunity to give back to young athletes and be a mentor to them,” Harris said. “My coaches made a huge impact on me growing up, so I am excited to have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the youth of Montezuma County.”
As it’s done for years, the program continues to blend students from Montezuma-Cortez and Dolores, allowing for the on-field chemistry to continue. Harris hopes the camaraderie developed will help the Panthers manage through the inevitable challenges that a long season presents.
“I want to see a group of girls with a positive attitude and exemplary sportsmanship, who keep their composure when faced with any sort of adversity,” Harris said.
After narrowly missing a big upset against Delta in the opening round of last year’s 3A state tournament, the Panthers hope their next steps include advancing further in the postseason.
To get there, Harris looks to her upperclassmen like Jensen, Mahler and Darrin to take on leadership roles that help provide steadying influences on the pitch.
“They’re coachable and get ready to work without complaint, and those are traits that all coaches can appreciate,” Harris said.
Montezuma-Cortez kicked off its campaign Saturday at Durango. The Panthers will play four of their next five matches at home, starting with Bayfield at 4 p.m. Tuesday.
A five-match road trip in April will speak volumes for the Panthers’ league title hopes before they return home for matches against Pagosa Springs and Delta to cap off the regular season.
