COMING TO CONNORS: Daniels set to continue soccer career in Warner

Before she even signed to play soccer, Kenzie Daniels knew she wanted to go to Connors State College.

But when she was offered to play soccer in the nearby Warner, she knew for sure she was going to be a member of the Cowgirl family. With a strong medical program, Daniels said she knew she was going to go to CSC no matter what.

When her senior year started, the Lady Tiger senior defender actually reached out to the program for the first connection. That eventually landed her a spot on next year’s soccer roster and a $4,000 scholarship.

Daniels officially put pen to paper and signed Wednesday, April 29.

“I already knew that I was going to go to Connors State due to them having a fast-track program for physical and occupational therapy,” Daniels said. “I knew that I wanted to play soccer, so when the first semester hit, I got in contact with them.”

After reaching out, Daniels and the program got connected and made a fast connection. Soon, the senior was touring the school and meeting potential future teammates on campus.

“They were very welcoming and very excited for me to come, and they said they had big plans,” Daniels said. “All the girls were very welcoming throughout the tour and just trying to get to know me a little bit better. They were just there for me and helped me with all my questions.”

Daniels is joining a CSC roster that is still in the early stages of its program. Last season, the Cowgirls finished with a 1-11-2 record, playing several ranked programs.

Daniels is looking to contribute early to the defensive side of the ball, but the senior knows she will need to spend the summer training to crack the starting lineup.

“It’s going to be 10 times harder than what it is right now, but I know that with a lot of intense work throughout the summer and bonding with the team, it will be as good as high school,” Daniels said.

With seniors Audi Espinoza, Shaylee Sherill, Avrie Baker, Lizzie Hubbard and Daniels, the Lady Tigers’ experienced defensive unit led the team to an 11-8 record and at least one more game.

Over the last four games of the regular season, the THS had three games where they didn’t give up a goal. Overall, the defense worked 7 shut outs throughout the season.

“I think it’s been really good because we know what we are doing now and don’t make a lot of mistakes that we made [when we were younger],” Sherrill said. “It’s been nice to relax on the field.”

This season, the Lady Tigers and Daniels are returning to the playoffs for the first time since 2018, and Daniels and the defensive unit were a big part of it.

Comprised of senior talent, the Lady Tigers’ defensive unit has mostly played together since their freshman season.

“It’s a big deal, I thought we were going to get there last year,” Daniels said on making the playoffs. “But the type of group we have this year is a lot of talent and lots of good mentality in the group.”