Brooklyn Schulte established herself last season as one of the best defenders Ozark has ever seen and as a senior this season she’s become the Lady Tigers’ undisputed leader and been able to make a return to offense at times as a viable option at forward.
“I like to help wherever (coach Zack Owens) can plug me in,” Schulte said going into Ozark’s Class 4 District 5 title tilt tonight at 5 against Nixa. “I’m not going to make a big fuss about playing (center) back one game and having to play forward one game. Wherever I can help the team is where I’m happy to play.”
Schulte ranks as one of the players Owens has gained the most respect for during his 12-year tenure with the Tigers and Lady Tigers.
“She’s willing to play anywhere on the field for us so we can be competitive. That’s why she’s a captain,” Owens said.
Likewise, junior forward Lyndzey Casey admires Schulte for her exceptional competitive nature.
“She’s just like me, she’s not going to give up,” Casey said. “She’s going to keep fighting and fight back even harder.”
Ozark’s relentlessness will be put to the test against two-time defending District champion Nixa (20-3). The Lady Tigers (18-7) fell to the Lady Eagles 4-0 three weeks ago.
Owens and Schulte are counting on Ozark putting on a better showing this time around.
“We were missing a few starters for that game and that was right around the time we were having our football coach shenanigans,” Owens said, referring to the resignation of coach Jeremy Cordell. “There was a lot of drama in our school and I truly think that affected us. I don’t think we were in the right head space. The baseball team was able to rally around it (and beat Nixa), but it affected us differently. With us being healthy this time around, I think we’ll give them a fight.”
“I’ve grown up with all (of Nixa’s seniors) and know how they play,” Schulte said. “I’m excited to get a rematch against them. I’m confident in our girls. All the pieces are falling into place. Hopefully, we can pull it out."
