As Bearden girls soccer prepares to kick off, two of this year’s captains are more than familiar with the spotlight, but it’s also fair to say that it’s never been brighter than it will be this year.
Seniors Jayla Blue and Tyler Roth have both been integral to Bearden’s program since their freshman years, following in the footsteps of their older sisters Nyla Blue, now at Tennessee, and Becca Roth, who plays for Western Kentucky and One Knoxville SC.
The Blue sisters and Roth sisters all have two state titles to their name, but Jayla and Tyler are looking to equal Nyla and Becca’s total of three.
Girls soccer coach Ryan Radcliffe said that this season’s team holds a good set of role models.
“It’s two girls that came in knowing what we expect and know where our standards are at and know what it takes to get there,” Coach Radcliffe said.
While the two players have played vital roles in Bearden’s successes over their past few years on the team, both are also aware of the pivotal roles they are taking on by becoming captains this year.
“This year has a bigger view for us because we have to lead in a different kind of way,” Blue said.
Bearden was one win away from its fourth consecutive state title last year, but fell to Houston 2-1 in the final (only the second loss of their high school careers). Blue and Roth both played key roles in the state championships their freshman and sophomore years, and they’re hungry to end their Lady Bulldog careers with one more.
“Not coming home with a trophy is definitely fueling our season because Bearden’s teams are known for winning,” Roth said.
Both Roth and Blue prepare the team for a great season ahead by implementing the leadership that they once saw in upperclassman team members, including their sisters.
“Savoring every practice and pushing people the hardest at practice, because how you practice is how you play,” Roth said.
Added Blue: “Underclassmen this year are definitely putting in effort to get minutes playing in varsity games.”
The Lady Bulldogs officially open their 2025 season when they host Catholic on Wednesday night at 7.