S-C’s Decker To Play Soccer At SFCC

Smith-Cotton High School senior Maria Decker has signed a letter of intent to play soccer at State Fair Community College in Sedalia.

Decker, the daughter of Cynthia and William Decker, is a three-time varsity
letter winner for the Lady Tigers soccer team. In the 2018-2019 season, she played in all 19 games, scoring four goals as a forward, receiving Second Team All-District honors and making the Independent All-Conference Team. In the 2020-2021 season, she played in all 23 games, contributing to 11 shutouts as a defender, and received Second Team All-Conference honors (CMAC).

SFCC Women’s Soccer Head Coach Jaime Beltran expects Decker to shore
up his team’s backline.

“We know that she is a talented defender and we have lived and died from our defense the last few years. But as happens, people graduate and we need to replace some pieces,” he said. “We think she can come in and help us not miss a beat and continue playing that strong, defensive, counter-attacking soccer that has made us successful the last couple of years. She’ll fit right into that. We know that she is comfortable with some of the other players we have on that backline because she has played with them before. Her talent will definitely help us out there."

S-C Girls Soccer Head Coach Meredith Brick said: "We have watched Maria
grow as a player and a person through the girls soccer program during
her career. She is a fierce competitor, has a deep love of the game, and
is a player who seeks feedback to learn how she can improve. She has
been a leader through her example of high-quality work ethic in training
and games. She is quick to help younger teammates understand a drill or
concept which has helped them feel welcome. Best of luck Maria as you
have the opportunity to play at the next level.”

In the photos:

PIC1: Smith-Cotton High School senior Maria Decker has signed a letter of
intent to play soccer at State Fair Community College in Sedalia. Seated with
her are her parents, Cynthia and William Decker; back, from left: S-C
Assistant Principal Joe Doyle, S-C Girls Soccer Head Coach Meredith Brick,
SFCC Women’s Soccer Head Coach Jaime Beltran, and S-C Athletic Director
Rob Davis.

PIC2: Smith-Cotton’s Maria Decker (10) clears the ball from the defensive
end during a game against Capital City at Susie Ditzfeld Memorial Soccer
Complex. Decker has signed a letter of intent to play soccer at State Fair
Community College