Katherine and Josh Bradley with children, Mattox 7, Millie May 6, and Micah 4.(Photo:KatherineBradley)
Lady Eagles Return 10 starters From 2023 Team
8/7/24
Evensville, TN -- In 2024, Katherine Bradley(Kat) will lead the Lady Eagles Soccer team in her sixth season as head coach . She has coached at high school and at middle school in North Georgia. She comes off a 15-6 record in 2023. At Rhea, she began as an assistant coach on Justin Smith's staff at RCHS in 2015 and served until she took the head coaching position in 2019.
Katherine Bradley, is from Fort Payne, Alabama, Katherine is married to Josh Bradley, who is from Ringgold Georgia. They have 3 kids, Mattox 7, Millie May 6, and Micah 4. Josh and I met at Bryan College in 2008. We were married in 2012 and lived in North Georgia for two years. They started our coaching and teaching careers before moving back to Dayton in 2014. They have lived in Dayton for the past 10 years and love the Rhea County community.
Katherine graduated from Fort Payne High School in 2008 and graduated from Bryan College in 2012 with a bachelors in Elementary Education. This year, Katherine moves to the Attendance Secretary position at Rhea County High School.
Who are some of the key returning players on offense and defense?
"We are excited to have so many returners this season. We only graduated 1 senior last year and have 10 current seniors on the roster. The experience that comes with that amount of upperclassmen is going to help us tremendously this season. In our offensive attack we have Kloe Reeves (JR) and Laurel Butt (SR) returning. Laurel Butt was named District Offensive MVP last year and scored a lot of goals for us. Kloe Reeves was also a big key to our success last year, having the 2nd most amount of goals and assists last season. Cammie Ruehling (SR) is returning in the midfield for us and is a key player for us both offensively and defensively. She led our team in assists last season, and having that consistency and tenacity returning to our midfield will be key to our success this season. Defensively key players will be Lilli Gardner (SR), she is our reigning District Defensive MVP and overall District MVP from last year. Defensively we also have Katie Ryan (SR), Keira Graham (SO), and Peyton Graham (SO) all returning. All three of these defenders' speed and aggression were a large part of our success last year and will continue to be this season."
How many starters back from last year?
"We only graduated 1 starter so as long as everyone stays healthy we should have 10 returning starters."
Any goals the team has set for this year?
We've got some BIG goals for the season! First, we plan to win the District Championship. Second, we plan to win the Region Tournament. And then our big goal this year is to make it to the State tournament, and ultimately come home as State Champs!
Talk a little about your coaching staff this year.
"Our coaches include myself, Emma Ruth Robinson, and Mary Kanipes."
"Emma Ruth Robinson is returning for her 3rd year as assistant coach. She was a stand out athlete here at Rhea County, competing and excelling in multiple sports. She has been a wonderful addition to our coaching staff and excels at coaching our girls in strength, fitness, and overall sportsmanship. Coach Emma Ruth is a 5th grade teacher at Rhea Central Elementary."
"Mary Kanipes is returning to us for her 2nd year as assistant coach. Coach Mary was a standout goalie here at Rhea County High School and went on to play at the collegiate level at Tennessee Wesleyan University. Coach Mary is our goalie coach and has had a tremendous impact on our goalies, Anna Grace Fraley (SR), Jetta Sharp (SO) and Liberty Raymer (FR). She is an English teacher here at Rhea County High School."
Who is the biggest rival for RCHS soccer?
"Our rivals have changed over the years but currently our biggest rival would have to be Walker Valley. They are a fast, strong, and highly competitive team. During the regular season last year we tied WV 2-2, after two overtimes we were still tied so we went to PK's. We ended up losing that game and finished 2nd in the district. We went on to fall to WV in the District Championship game and the Region Championship game. We are looking forward to a rematch this season."
What is the strength of this year's team?
"Our Senior Class is one of our biggest strengths. They are a very talented group of athletes, with most playing 2-3 different sports. The majority of our seniors have played soccer for many years and bring a lot of experience to our team. They are the hardest working class I have coached and are constantly striving to better themselves and their teammates. They care deeply about our program and the legacy they will leave behind after their graduation. I am very proud of each of them and all they have accomplished and will continue to accomplish as Lady Eagles."
Summarize your coaching philosophy?
"As a coach, Iwant my athletes to grow and develop on and off the field. I aim to partner with their parents/guardians to help their daughter(s) grow into an incredible woman, to have an amazing high school experience, and to develop and foster important life lessons learned from playing soccer and being a part of a team."
In a recent article, Katherine shared a little of her playing history.
"I’m originally from Alabama and played at Fort Payne High School. In high school I was a captain my senior year and mostly played midfield, but really played wherever the coach needed me. I earned academic and athletic scholarships and played for Bryan College for 4 years. I played mostly defense in college and earned all-academic honors my junior and senior years. After graduation I coached in Georgia for two years before moving back to Dayton."
RCHS Lady Eagle Soccer 2024 Number: Name:Number: Name:
