Coach: Ken Cook

2006 Season: 14-7, 8-2 North East Michigan Conference

Returning athletes: Kellie Kasischke, sr., Fwd.; Jenna Kiblinger, sr., Def.; Stephanie LaHaye, sr., Mid.; Clare Siwek, sr., Mid.; Danielle Bird, jr., Mid.; Alicia Drumm, jr., Fwd.; Amy Gracik, jr., Fwd.; Amanda Jungquist, jr., Mid.; Ashley Krumm, jr., GK; Hannah Miles, jr., Def.; Kristen Whitney, jr., Mid.; Asia Finnell, so., Mid.; Stephanie Glancy, so., Fwd.; Kristine Jackson, so., Fwd.; Emelia Oslund, so., Def.

New to varsity: Jamie Shaffer, so.; Gina Gerow, fr.; Alyssa Gracik, fr.; Jenny Jacques, fr.; Jordon Zimmer, fr.

2006 Outlook: The Braves return 15 players in hopes of reclaiming the NEMC title won by John Glenn last season.

Senior forward Kellie Kasischke is the top returning scoring threat, though the Braves also got several goals out of sophomore Kristine Jackson last year. Kasischke, senior defender Jenna Kiblinger and junior midfielder Stephanie LaHaye are returning second-team NEMC picks.

"We have a great bunch of players this year who are truly excited about soccer and eager to get the season started," says Tawas coach Ken Cook. "I look forward to getting outside in some nice weather so we can really start working on our game. I know how hard they have conditioned in the pre-season and that will pay dividends for us when we take the field."

Cook said that the Braves' early-season attitude has been conducive to besting last season's second-place finish.

"The players have been receptive to the changes we are suggesting to help improve us down the road," he said. "They truly want to improve their skills, so I am excited and look forward to a successful season again this year."