The Viewmont girls soccer program is on top of the world in Utah, and it's thanks to an alumna coming back to lead the troops.
Photo by Jeremy Allen
Emalee Tate came back home, and she orchestrated a state title within a year.
Looks like
Viewmont (Bountiful, Utah) has a great reason to make sure she stays home.
The head coach took her Vikings all the way to the UHSAA title last season in her first campaign at the helm, and grabbed the No. 20 national ranking from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America. It was certainly a dream season at the school north of Salt Lake City, and that success is why the Vikings are one of 10 girls soccer teams to be named a national title Early Contender presented by Dick's Sporting Goods and adidas.
See all the 2013 Fall Soccer Early Contenders 
Jana Wall
Photo by Jeremy Allen
Viewmont is back this season with a returning first team all-state performer (Abbie Flandro) included in a group of 12 seniors. That should more than help offset the loss of eight players to graduation, and possibly get Viewmont a good shot at its fifth state title in school history.
"This year's team will have some holes to fill in
the starting lineup with the departure of those eight seniors," said Tate, a former University of Utah player who is a Viewmont alumna (nee Rogers). "We
return an outstanding class of 12 seniors that will be looked to provide
leadership and continue the traditions of our program."
Those traditions are good ones, as Viewmont is regarded as one of the state's best performers. Looking to uphold that prestige will be Flandro, Bailee Hammond and Karrie Pead (a junior).
Last season culminated with a double overtime triumph over Alta, and the semifinal was also a tight one, a 2-1 win over Davis in double overtime. Adding to the fun in that one, Davis is Viewmont's natural rival. Realignment will pit Viewmont and Davis in the same region this season, and that is one aspect of why Tate is excited for the move.
"We are
excited and look forward to a new season and a new beginning. We are
anxious to defend our 5A state title in 2013 and feel that our
difficult preseason schedule and moving back to Region 1 will help with
this endeavor," Tate said.
The big-game experience is sure to pay off and the leadership should be there. All that's left is to keep playing at a high level, something that has been accomplished thus far.
See our special Viewmont soccer photo galleryLocal look: "The greatest advantage the Vikings had last season was experience. They had played in the title match each of the two years prior, which helped the team and head coach Emalee Tate know what to expect and how to prepare to play at Rio Tinto Stadium. While Viewmont lost some of its main contributors from a year ago, it also returns many of them for another experienced roster this season."
- Sarah Thomas, Deseret News (@SarahDNews)
