Girls Varsity Soccer: Coach Kenny Epps
This group will always hold a special place in my heart. They are the first group that I have had from their freshman year to senior year since I returned to my alma mater.
They were major contributors on the field with Sydney and Wylie being 4-year starters, combining for 110 total starts and accounting for 47 goals and 20 assists. Sydney and Wylie served as captains of the team during their senior year. They were both selected to the GHSA Region 7-A All-Area team as juniors.
More importantly, the leadership they provided during their time here is immeasurable. I don’t think I have ever had a group of captains who contributed as much as these two did off of the field. From setting up lunches to hosting sleepovers, they ensured that every player would feel like they were a part of the family. I can’t describe how much they will be missed by their teammates, coaches, and the entire MDS community.
Sydney Iuliucci
4-year letter winner, 4-year starter, Midfielder, 20 Goals and 12 Assists, Team Captain, GHSA All-Area Team in 2019
Coach Epps: “Whenever I talk about my 4 years coaching Syd, the word growth always is the first to come to mind. She is naturally a quiet and reserved player, but about halfway through our basketball season last year I saw someone who took control when she noticed her team was in need of a leader. That embodies one of the things we try to instill in our players…going out of your comfort zone. She was willing to do that because it was best for her team. Syd was a great leader because she is willing to do the little things right—the things that no one pays attention to, the things that no one praises. Those are the things that lead to success, and Syd was always willing to do those things.”
Wylie Byrne
4-year letter winner, 4-year starter, Midfielder, 27 Goals and 8 Assists, Team Captain, GHSA All-Area Team in 2019
Coach Epps: “Wylie has quite possibly the best trait you can have when it comes to doing anything in this life: passion. It doesn’t matter what she is doing, she wants to know the perfect way to do it and she wants to be great. That is a coach’s dream. To strive for greatness is all we can ask of our players. Wylie might also be the most adaptable player I have ever coached. I have asked her to play pretty much every position on the field except goalie. She never once complained. That is the sign of a true leader. She did what was best for her team and did it with a smile on her face. Above all, I will miss Wylie’s energy. From laughing until she cries to her many attempts at what she called dancing, Wylie’s spirit will truly be missed!”
Aderonke Oderinde
1-year letter winner, Goalkeeper
Coach Epps: “I think of courage when I look back on my one year coaching Ronke. It is not easy to step into something for the first time as a senior. I’d imagine it is even less easy when you have a team with very high expectations and a coach determined to make that team realize their potential. However, Ronke embraced that challenge from day 1. She came out every single day and gave it everything she had. My only wish is that she could have been with us for longer.”