Only two girls’ soccer programs in Kentucky have reached 500 wins and Marshall County became the second to achieve that milestone late last season in the regional semi-finals when they beat St. Mary 4-0. South Oldham hit the 500 win mark earlier in the 2022 season.
The 500th win also made Head Coach Michael Boone the winningest coach in Lady Marshals program history with a current record of 241-92-30 since his first year at the helm in 2007. He surpassed his predecessor, Coach Stacey Bradley, who led the program from 1993 to 2006 and finished his successful tenure with a record of 239-54-14.
The first year for the program was 1991 and for two years, the Lady Marshals head coach was Teresa Daugherty who over that time had a record of 21-9-1. Girls’ soccer wasn’t KHSAA sanctioned until the 1992 season.
“Marshall County is the only school in the state with both boys’ and girls’ programs reaching 500 wins”, Coach Boone said at Friday’s 500 wins celebration. The Marshals reached that milestone during their 2019 season. Boone said the Lady Marshals have the state’s highest win percentage at just under 75 percent.
Recognized during the celebration was Dr. Richard Colburn and wife Malinda. Colburn is known as the godfather of soccer not only in Marshall County but throughout Western Kentucky for his efforts that have led to the great success the Marshall County programs enjoy today. The Marshall County soccer stadium bears the Colburn name.
Also recognized was Coach Bradley whose success over his 14 years led to four final four appearances. Bradley was inducted into the Kentucky Girl’s Soccer Hall of Fame in 2021.
Interim head coach of the Marshals, Don Walker, introduced the 2023 Marshals squad. Walker was the Marshals head coach from 1989 to 2010.
Special guests for the evening including Lady Marshals alumni players spanning over three plus decades.
The program for the celebration included a photo of each team since the first season in 1991 and current top five record holders in each category.
Most career goals: Julia Travis, 135 (1994-1997)
Most career assists: Rachel McWilliams, 47 (2012-2015)
Most career shutouts: Carlen Whirley, 35 (2017-2019)
Most goals in a season: Julia Travis, 46 (1997)
Most assists in a season: Rachel McWilliams, 24 (2013)
Most shutouts in a season: Carlen Whirley, 17 (2019)
The Lady Marshals have won 22 district titles and 23 region titles. They have reached the Elite Eight 14 times and the Final Four four times.
The 2023 season opens for the Lady Marshals on August 10 at Mayfield. The Marshals open their season at Hopkinsville on August 8.
