Wheeler’s Lyric Green isn’t a machine, though it might sometimes seem that way.
The junior forward scored at least one goal in every game this season, save for the Class A state final against Evansville Mater Dei.
Green posted 44 goals and 13 assists for the Bearcats (21-1). Among the most memorable were the two goals she scored in a 2-0 win against Fort Wayne Blackhawk Christian, propelling Wheeler to their first semistate title and on to Indianapolis.
“This was the best season ever — I love my team to death,” said Green, the Post-Tribune 2017 Girls Soccer Player of the Year. “We got really close over the summer and practice and throughout the season. It was so much fun.”
Bryan Murray has coached numerous top-notch players during his six seasons at Wheeler, following 10 at Muncie Central and two at LaPorte. But he hadn’t seen anything quite like Green’s season.
“The way she played and practiced on a daily basis, that’s exactly what you want as a coach,” Murray said. “She was as consistent as any player I’ve ever been around.
“She just made plays all year in a way I’ve not been a part of. I’ve had players get a hot hand, but she was just on such a consistent level.”
Green had obstacles to overcome along the way.
She injured her right ankle over the winter with her club team, sidelining her for two months. She was in a boot and on crutches, and required physical therapy.
She rolled her left ankle Sept. 14 against Covenant Christian, needing to tape it for the rest of the season. She aggravated it in the state final and was hobbling around after the game.
But not much seemed to slow Green.
She dramatically increased her production from the 23 goals and 11 assists she recorded last season. More than the statistics, Murray saw Green’s development between her sophomore and junior seasons.
“She had a great maturity about her approach,” Murray said. “She’s grown so much the last two years, not only with her skills but her level of maturity and respect. If things didn’t go her way, it just made her work harder.
“Little things don’t affect her and that’s a tribute to how she’s grown up the last few years. She’s a great example for her teammates and the face of the program, if you will. She obviously was effective on the field, but she’s also a joy to coach.”
Green, who said her “confidence went up a lot this year,” hopes to continue to make strides for her final season with the Bearcats and beyond.
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“There’s always room for improvement,” she said. “You can’t take anything for granted. You have to keep learning.”
Murray is excited about what Green can potentially do next. But he already appreciates her rare talent.
“Lyric’s a dynamic player, influential on the outcome of matches,” Murray said. “She was very determined to make sure our outcomes were what they were.
“She’s a finisher. She just has an uncanny ability to make plays.”
Twitter @MichaelOsipoff