Dublin — A few days into October, the Dublin Jerome girls soccer team remains unbeaten and enters the Central District playoffs as the No. 2 seed, ready to make a deep run. Head Coach Georgi Petrov sums up their momentum: “When we’re buzzing and playing with passion, Jerome is unstoppable. We’ve got a deep, talented squad that’s ready to go the distance.” With a roster full of potential and determination, the Lady Celtics are poised for a strong finish.
This strong performance is a testament to the program’s resurgence, rebuilding itself into a formidable contender. After experiencing a downturn during the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons, when the Lady Celtics were uncharacteristically absent from the high-stakes competition they were accustomed to, the team has found its way back. Three seasons later, Jerome’s success has returned, and the momentum looks to be sustainable well into the future.
Coach Petrov attributes Jerome’s sustained success to the culture that has been cultivated within the program. “Our success comes from a lot of hard work, both on and off the field. The coaches put in extra time to create a winning environment, and the players work hard and focus on team goals,” Petrov explains. “This mindset helps set us up for the future too. The younger players are stepping into a program where hard work and discipline are the norm. We’re building something that will not only keep us competitive in the present but also secure the future of the program.”
On the pitch, the Lady Celtics command possession, embracing the philosophy that the best defense is keeping the ball out of the opponent’s hands. “Our winning formula is simple: work hard when we don’t have the ball and stay determined to win it back. The energy across the team makes us tough to play against,” says Coach Petrov.
This relentless mindset has powered Jerome to an impressive 11-0-3 record, including a tight competition with Olentangy Berlin in the OCC-Cardinal division, where they currently sit at 3-0-1. Outscoring opponents 48-5 overall and 11-1 in conference play, the Lady Celtics are proving their dominance on both offense and defense. Their anchor among all the talent lies in Xavier University commit Elizabeth Powell.
When discussing Powell, Coach Petrov didn’t hold back in his praise. “She’s an athlete with a motor that doesn’t quit, and her presence on the field is game-changing. Xavier University is getting a powerhouse in her,” Petrov said. “She’s like a Tasmanian devil—she leaves nothing behind but dust and empty space.” Powell’s relentless energy and impact make her a key player for Jerome, setting the tone for the team’s dynamic style of play.
However, despite the high praise for Powell, Coach Petrov is quick to highlight the depth of talent across the entire team. “It’s not just Elizabeth. We have so many talented players, and it would take too long to mention them all,” Petrov says. “What’s special is that they’re not just great players; they’re role models for our younger players, especially the freshmen and sophomores on the varsity squad. The leadership across the team has been incredible.”
The Lady Celtics begin their state playoff journey on October 17th against Groveport Madison, marking the first hurdle in their quest to return to the state championship game for the first time since 2011 and claim their first-ever state title. Coach Petrov, mindful of the challenges ahead, emphasized the importance of focus and preparation. “We treat every game like it’s our last. We know the dangers of looking too far ahead, so our focus is on giving 100% effort in each match, taking it one step at a time. Preparation is key, and we’re working hard to ensure that both mentally and physically, we’re ready for the challenges that lie ahead.”
Ultimately, Coach Petrov understands that even the most talented teams require a touch of luck, especially in a dynamic sport like soccer. “We need a combination of factors: keeping the squad healthy, maintaining high energy levels, showing resilience in every game, and, naturally, we’ll need a bit of luck along the way,” he notes. “We also need to ensure we’re playing well as a team and not relying too much on individual moments to win games.” To emphasize his point, Coach Petrov reflects on an August match against Mason. “One game that stands out is the Mason game earlier in the season. We didn’t play our best, but we never gave up, and that hard-working attitude is what defines our team. It’s the reason we’ve made it this far, and it’s what we’ll bring to every match.”
As the playoffs approach, Coach Petrov reflects on the journey that has brought the Lady Celtics to this pivotal moment: “Every game has helped us improve. There were some where everything went right, and others where we had to dig deep to win. We’ve got a deep, talented squad that’s ready to go the distance. We’re excited to see how far we can push ourselves, and we’re ready to take on any challenge that comes our way.” With this mindset, the Lady Celtics are poised to tackle the postseason head-on, fueled by their determination and unity as a team.
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