The Oglethorpe County girls soccer team is navigating a coaching change, but the transition is led by a familiar face.
Madison Nimmons graduated in 2020 and was a standout striker for the Patriots. She’s the school record holder for most career goals (109) and in a single season (42), which happened during her sophomore year. Nimmons also had a successful college career at Emmanuel University in Franklin Springs.
“I just love Oglethorpe. I’ve always been around here,” Nimmons said. “I came back for a love of soccer … just being around everybody.”
The transition has been unique for Nimmons because she’s also coaching three of her sisters: Mylee, a senior, Ava, a sophomore, and Meadow, a freshman. Her philosophy centers on the “small things,” a mantra she hopes will aid the team that leans heavily on freshmen.
“The small thing in the game, or the small thing in practice leads to something bigger overall,” Nimmons said.
Holding the line
While the roster features a “handful” of experienced players, the team relies on senior captains Mylee Nimmons and Marin Sampson, who have been playing together since they were 5 years old.
For Mylee, a defensive anchor and captain, her older sister as head coach means the dynamic has shifted.
“It’s definitely been a lot harder this year having (Madison) as a coach, because I’m used to her yelling in the stands, and now it’s her yelling from the sideline,” Mylee said.
On the attacking end, Sampson is looking to put years of chemistry into wins. She and her fellow seniors have played together long enough to develop a sixth sense on the field — especially with Mylee.
“We just know each other’s thoughts a little bit,” Sampson said. “We can play good balls to each other, and we just know how to play with each other well.”
Looking ahead
Madison Nimmons said college scouts are showing interest in both Mylee and Sampson. However, the immediate focus remains on the growth of the team. The Patriots are 0-7 and 0-1 in region play through March 6.
“It’s more of just seeing the girls grow game by game,” Nimmons said. “If you watched them play last Friday compared to their last game, you can see all of the improvements. That’s what makes me the happiest as a coach.”
Top players
Mylee Nimmons: The defensive backbone tasked with organizing the backline.
Marin Sampson: A scoring threat with high-level vision and chemistry.
Reese Campbell and Lurdes Hernandez-Boyso: Leaders who Nimmons expects to take big steps this year.