Friday, September 22, 2000
Ross soccer player is national talent
Lockaby lights it up here and for U.S.
By Dave Schutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer
At first glance during pregame warm ups or practices, Kayla Lockaby is often mistaken for the younger sister of a Ross soccer player. Once the game begins, those in attendance quickly come to realize that Lockaby, a 4-foot-10, 105 pound senior midfielder, is something special.
“Kayla has the quickest first three steps of any player I've coach,” Ross coach Fred Hibbs said. “She's very capable of running players with the ball down from behind.”
Considered one of the two best players in Cincinnati with Sara Randolph from Sycamore, Lockaby is a member of the U.S. National 17-and-under team, starting as an outside midfielder.
“Kayla's size isn't a problem in high school and hasn't scared the college recruiters away,” Hibbs said. “She's in the pool for the national team but the coaches say the lack of height hurts her chances.”
Lockaby confirmed the interest by the college recruiters.
“I've visited Tennessee, Central Florida, Connecticut and Santa Clara,” Lockaby said. “I will visit Clemson and Maryland in October. I was the most impressed with Tennessee.”
To date, Lockaby has scored seven goals and has 10 assists. In two plus seasons, she has 20 assists, six short of the Tiffany Bogolo's career record.
“The thing about Kayla is that she sets up goals by putting the ball to the appropriate player,” Hibbs said. “We were losing 3-1 to Talawanda and Kayla decided to take over. We ended up winning 4-3.”
During the final 10 minutes in the Talawanda game, Lockaby was in control. She moved from the center halfback position to striker and set up three quick goals with outstanding passes.
“I get more pleasure out of assisting that scoring,” Lockaby said. “There's not as much pressure playing for the high school team and I like coach Hibbs and all the players.”
Many national players have a tough time adapting to lesser teams and become frustrated. Lockaby is the opposite and sets the example every day during practice or games.
“Kayla enjoys training and comes to practice everyday ready to work,” Hibbs said. “Her work ethic is contagious to some of the players but not as contagious as I'd like it to be.”
Because of the lack of height and weight, Lockaby is often knocked to the ground.
“Kayla only gets frustrated when an opposing player whacks her, but I don't think it's intentional,” Hibbs said. “She been knocked down, but she's always quick to get up.”
Prior to the season, the Ross players set a goal of winning the Division II state championship. However, a substantial increase in enrollment moved the Rams up to Division I.
“We're capable of winning at any level,” Lockaby said. “Everyone has to work a little harder and we can do it.”
The Rams biggest victory to date was over previously undefeated Loveland, 2-0.
“Beating Loveland was a confidence builder,” Hibbs said. “We also tied Harrison, another Division I school.”
The Rams have outscored seven opponents 33-8 with Sara Wertman (five goals), Jessica Evans (six goals), Jenelle Brown, Cassie Wagers and Nicara Glover the offensive threats in addition to Lockaby.
While Lockaby's seven-game statistics are impressive, leadership is also important. It's this trait that has earned the diminutive Lockaby and a special place in the hearts of Ross followers.
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