Wilcox Chargers soccer star Olivia Gentry experienced a full boat of ups and downs with the school’s soccer program. Gentry made varsity as a freshman during the 2016-17 season, playing on a team that had been struggling in recent years.
During her first season, the Chargers went just 3-8-1 in league. The following season was more of the same with the squad finishing 3-9-1. In her junior and senior seasons, though, the squad went a combined 10-12-2, a much more respectable showing.
“When I started as a freshman, the program was a bit rocky, but it has definitely improved a lot,” noted Gentry. “[Coach] David [Rios] came in and brought a new perspective that really helped. I’m really happy to be leaving the program in a better spot than when I started. There has been a lot of improvement over my four years here.”
As a senior captain, Gentry played all over the pitch for her squad. Coach Rios used her in essentially every position but goalkeeper.
“Olivia brought tremendous versatility to the team. She has the ability to play all 10 field positions and excel at them,” praised Coach Rios. “When it came to the closing minutes of our games, she was at her best. She has the ability to kick it into another gear which makes her hard to stop.”
While she played all over, Gentry felt she was of best value to her team as an outside forward to help create goal scoring opportunities. Next year’s squad will certainly miss her presence on the field, but the tone she helped set for the team can be carried on even in her absence.
“My younger sister was on the team this year, so I really wanted to set a good example for the girls,” remarked Gentry on being a team leader this past season. “I wanted to help create an environment that was competitive but was also uplifting at the same time.”
Gentry is hoping to study business but is undecided on where she wants to attend college next fall.