Chippewa girls soccer continues legacy of dominance on and off the field

If there is one thing that is just about a matter of fact for the area, it’s Chippewa girls soccer and a deep tournament run. Since 2000 no area team has really come close to duplicating the Chipps' sheer dominance of the Ohio High School Athletic Association tournament with a playoff record of 77-24, six state appearances, 13 trips to regionals including nine out of the last 10 years, and only once since 2003 have they not made it out of sectionals.

The only area team to venture anywhere close to Chippewa is West Holmes with a playoff record of 35-23. In Wayne County it's Chippewa’s bitter rival Norwayne with a record of 30-20.

“Being a Chippewa Chipp means always striving to do your best and become better at everything you do,” senior Cally West said. “Being a part of the area's best program is a special privilege that I am very thankful for.”

On Thursday, Sept. 25, the Chipps clinched their 19th Wayne County Athletic League crown and their 16th outright. Making it sweeter was doing it against their rival, the Bobcats of Norwayne, both of which never get old for Chippewa.

“Winning another WCAL title doesn’t get old because it is something our team works very hard to achieve every year,” West said. “And the competition, along with rival Norwayne, always keeps it really exciting.”

A big part of that tradition for the Chipps is always having a strong core of seniors, no matter the number of girls in the class or the roles they play. Their dedication to the program, years of work and passion for the Blue and White, that’s a big part of what sets them apart and makes them leaders.

This year, along with West are Ava Friedt, Cameryn Luecke, Emma Hughes and Arianna Graefe. It’s a group that is close through their experiences and bonding moments on the pitch.

“Our relationships are special,” West said. “I’ve been playing with some of them since I was 3. It’s been really fun growing up together through this sport and always bonding over soccer.”

A year ago West played a key role in distributing the ball forward to the attack as she finished with 37 assists and nine goals scored. She also served as the leader of the junior class and rotated in as a captain throughout the year.

This year she earned the captain's badge and has taken on a more prominent role in the attack. Currently, she has scored eight goals and has four assists. Career-wise, she is currently tied with former program legend Kay Young for total assists in a career with 46 and is third all-time in area history. Her 90 career points put her 30th all-time.

As for her leadership as a full-time captain:

“I tend to lead more by example while on the field through my hustle,” she said. “At practice it's doing the little things our coach asks.”

One of the things West has enjoyed this year is the family time on the pitch with her sister Maryn, who is a freshman.

“I’ve definitely enjoyed being a senior this year,” she said. “I am glad I was able to play my last season leading my younger sister and cousin on the field.”

With the OHSAA tournament right around the corner, what else would make West and her fellow seniors' final season complete but a return trip to state? A year ago they made the program’s sixth trip to state and third to the finals in a 3-0 loss to Madeira.

Returning is the goal, but the memories along the way are what will live on forever. One of those memories that is always fun to watch is the Halloween practice, which only happens when a team has gone far in the tournament, as few teams are still alive or practicing at that time.

“The Halloween practice is always fun and a great way to team bond,” West said. “Which is another reason I’d love to play my final game in Columbus.”

That trip, a second chance and the opportunity to make more memories are what make it all worth it.

“If we could return to state again this year, it would mean a lot to get a second chance at the state title,” West said. “Making it this far would give me a couple extra weeks of playing with my best friends and sister one last time, which would be really special to me.”