by Lisa Hinton-Valdrighi
Allyson Umstead is hoping to revitalize the Lancaster High School girls soccer program.
A first-year seventh grade teacher at Lancaster Middle School, Umstead is coaching a team of 17 along with assistant coach and recent LHS grad Monica Waddy.
“The goal is winning games, of course, but ultimately my goal is getting the girls team established again and getting the younger players experience,” said Umstead. “I plan to stick around here awhile and I’d like to build this program and start a [winning] tradition.”
Umstead knows this year will be a rebuilding one and the girls will likely take some hard knocks from opponents like New Kent, St. Margaret’s and Northumberland, whose programs have been in place for several years. Although Lancaster started its girls soccer program in 2012, the program has struggled with participation and was able to field only a varsity team two years ago and disbanded last season. Female soccer players played with the boys as a co-ed team last season…
