Daviess County senior Avery McNeiley sustained an injury during the 3rd Region Tournament final this season and had to be carried off the field by coach David Sandifer but did that mean the Lady Panther standout was going to have her career end on the sideline — not even close.
Daviess County fell to Owensboro Catholic in that final but McNeiley was back on the field to finish out her career going as hard as she possibly could.
It’s McNeiley’s determination and her ability to make those around her better that makes her the Owensboro Times Girls’ Soccer Player of the Year.
With the shortened season, Daviess County only finished with eight wins but McNeiley has been a member of some impressive squads during her time as a Lady Panther.
“I feel very proud of my team and myself for everything we have accomplished over the years,” she said. “This year has been tough for everyone due to Covid and losing so many experienced players last year but overall I’m pleased with how well we did this season.”
McNeiley finishes her DC career with 30 goals and 23 assists, including 12 goals and 14 assists during her junior season when the Lady Panthers made it all the way to the state quarterfinals before falling to Greenwood.
It was that year that stood out the most for McNeiley.
“I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to go with my soccer family,” she said of the quarterfinal trip.
McNeiley led the Panthers in goals (14) and assists (7) this season but it didn’t come without its fair share of struggles.
DC lost back-to-back games early in the season, the first time it did that since 2018.
With it being her last year, McNeiley said he knew she couldn’t give up.
“I continued to keep pushing this season because it is my senior year and I wanted to finish it out strong,” she said. “There are several new players on the varsity team and I wanted to show them how important it is to keep going, not only for yourself but for your teammates as they are depending on you. I also knew that our season was already cut short and any game could be our last because of Covid so I wanted to give it my all.”
Coaches always have an impact on a players game and for McNeiley and Sandifer, the old adage holds true.
She said the veteran coach was a big part of her progression.
“I feel like I’ve always been a pretty strong player because I have such a love for the game,” she said. “I’ve really learned a lot from my coaches and teammates over the years. I want to give a special thanks to Dave Sandifer for always believing in me and teaching me so much throughout my soccer career.”
Sandifer said feeling goes both ways as he’s grateful for the time he got to spend with McNeiley.
“Avery is a great kid and really grew into an on-field leadership role this year,” Sandifer said. “She led us in scoring and assists this year and when we needed her to provide a spark, she came through. She has matured into a fine player and better young lady.”
McNeiley has been a part of dozens of wins during her time at Daviess County but when asked about what being a Panther has taught her, she said it wasn’t about the wins and losses.
“I’ve always been proud to be a Panther,” McNeiley said. “Our team has been successful for the last several years but being a Panther has especially taught me that it isn’t just about winning the game. It’s about learning, improving and growing individually and as a team. It’s also about developing friendships that will last forever.”
