Duo caps 4-year run of dominance

Senior goodbyes are always hard but especially when they feature some of the most decorated soccer players to play for Boone.

After four record setting years, the girls soccer team said goodbye to two of the school’s star players: seniors Rielyn Hamilton and Morgan Black.

They entered the school together as new freshmen soccer players and will be leaving as award-winning record holders.

Arguably one of Hamilton’s best achievements would be having the most goals in northern Kentucky history with 116, but when asked about her achievements she was not too concerned about them.

“I don’t put pressure on myself to break records because that isn’t why I play soccer,” Hamilton said. “I play because it’s the sport I love and all the records are just blessings.”

Other awards she has won in her senior year include Ninth Region Co-Offensive Player of the Year, Kentucky All-State East Player of Year, and Larosa’s High School MVP of Week. She is also in the running for Miss Kentucky Soccer and All-American honors.

Black has also had an amazing career, notching 47 career assists which puts her at third all-time in school history. Other achievements she has gained in her senior year are being named to the Ninth Region Third Team by the local soccer coaches and tying the school single season assist record this year with 22 assists.

When asked about the things she will miss the most, Black said it was the friendships she had made over the past four years.

“I love every single one of my teammates and they’ve shaped me into the person I am today,” Black said.

The two have also come to be best friends.

“Playing the sport you love with you best friend is so fun!” Hamilton said. “I’ve been playing soccer with her since we were 7, and it was bittersweet to play this last season ever with her, but the memories will last forever.”

Black agreed that playing with Hamilton made her career special.

“It makes the whole experience 100 times better,” Black said. “On the field we work really well together and do what we can to better the other.”

Head coach Mike Hughes had nothing but high praise and gratitude towards them.

“It is like having two coaches on the field during game time,” Hughes said. “They are always helping the younger players, cheering them up, getting them hyped before the game and during halftime.”

Over the past four years, the lady rebels have been successful having an overall record of 56-31-7.

“They are two dynamic players, they turn a good team into a great team, and they are going to be missed a lot,” Hughes said.

The success the Lady Rebels have experienced is part of what made the program unique for Hamilton and Black.

“It is something special that unfortunately not everyone gets to be a part of,” said Hamilton. “I love everything about Boone County and being a Rebel, I’m glad I spent my 4 years here.”

Black agreed.

“Being a Lady Rebel was the best experience I have been a part of,” Black said. “The program is amazing and the whole environment is welcoming and they are another family to me!”

Some advice Black wanted to give to the youngers players entering the next year are that they should not take the next few years for granted.

“Keep the same mentality and work rate we had this past year,” Black said. “Win yourselves the district title you deserve!”

Hamilton has received a scholarship to the University of Akron were she will continue her soccer career.