The Bearden girls soccer team ended its 2023 season with its third consecutive state championship.
As the Lady Bulldogs start the season, new leadership must step up to assist them in doing it all again and aiming for an unprecedented fourth straight state title.
Junior Jayla Blue has already set that tone for the 2024 season, scoring all four goals in Bearden’s 4-0 season-opening win at Catholic on Tuesday. Bearden plays fellow state powerhouse Houston on Saturday in the Tri-Star Classic in Murfreesboro.
Blue has been a starter and one of the team’s leading goalscorers since freshman year, but she will face a greater spotlight in 2024 after the graduation of arguably the program’s most decorated class which included her older sister Nyla.
Jayla’s talent does not come without plenty of hard work.
“I think a lot of training outside of practice with my trainers and others,” she said. “My sister has been pushing me since I was little, and I feel like that was something that helped.”
Added senior Halle Bibee: “Nyla definitely pushed her, but she also knows how to push herself.”
Coach Ryan Radcliffe said that Blue has much to offer and will help to lead the team this season.
“She’s definitely got a lot of special things to offer, especially coming in and starting right away as a freshman, and setting the freshman record for goals,” Coach Radcliffe said. “Now she’s a junior and understands now kind of how to be a leader, especially following in the other seniors’ footsteps.”
Blue helps to set the tone for the team and push toward their goals.
“I think she’s a really good influence for everyone around her, especially being a junior, it shows the other juniors and underclassmen they can work for more, push, and go harder,” Bibee said.
Bearden’s home opener is Aug. 22 against Powell at 7 p.m.