JACKSON — Tegan Barnett knew her senior season at Saxony Lutheran would not look like the previous 2 years.
After helping the Crusaders reach the state tournament in back-to-back seasons, Barnett entered her final high school campaign surrounded by a younger, less experienced roster, mounting injuries and a jump in competition after Saxony moved up a classification. Still, the senior goalkeeper from Perryville embraced the challenge, taking on a leadership role while preparing for her next step — collegiate soccer at Webster University.
Barnett, who signed a national letter of intent on May 4, will continue her soccer career with the Gorloks while pursuing a degree in graphic design. Tegan, the daughter of Amber Crites and Christopher Barnett, said Webster stood out because it offered a balance of academics and athletics.
“I wanted to go into graphic design, and they are an amazing art-type school,” Barnett said. “Their athletics is also really good.”
The Webster University women’s soccer program was started in 1999 and plays its home games at World Wide Technology Soccer Park in Fenton, the site of the Missouri State High School Activities Association state soccer championships. The program has won 15 SLIAC Regular Season Titles and 10 SLIAC Tournament Championships. The team has advanced to the NCAA Division III Women’s Soccer National Tournament 15 times and advanced to the second round twice.
For now, however, Barnett’s focus remains on helping guide a Crusaders squad that entered district play at 5-7 following a demanding regular-season schedule that included larger schools and perennial powers. Saxony opened the season with a win over Farmington, battled Sikeston to a 1-0 overtime loss and earned late-season victories against North County, Fredericktown and Cape Girardeau Central.
The results, however, only tell part of the story.
Saxony’s roster featured just 2 seniors and a large group of freshmen and underclassmen learning on the fly. Injuries also reshaped the season, including an ACL tear to one senior and other knee injuries and a concussion that limited the team’s depth.
“For starters, the season isn’t going great,” Barnett said. “We have a lot of younger and newer girls. If they get more experience outside of high school, they should be fine.”
That reality placed additional responsibility on Barnett, whose position as goalkeeper naturally makes her one of the loudest voices on the pitch.
Barnett said she has worked to mentor younger teammates, offering instruction and encouragement from the back line while helping organize the defense.
“Just try to help them by communicating and being like, ‘Hey, this is what you could do differently,’ or, ‘You’ve done well at this,’ ” Barnett said. “I’m trying to take a leadership role from the back as a goalkeeper.”
Communication can be difficult, especially during windy spring matches, but Barnett said she understands growth takes time.
“It’s a little difficult, especially if the wind is absolutely howling,” she said. “And it’s a little hard for when they don’t want to listen at times, but eventually they’ll get it.”
A goalkeeper since childhood, Barnett said she has played soccer since preschool or kindergarten and quickly grew attached to the position.
“This season has been a little rough and I have been getting a lot of action,” Barnett said.
Barnett estimated she has recorded more than 100 saves this season while facing constant pressure against stronger competition. Saxony’s move up in class after consecutive state appearances also created a steeper climb.
“It doesn’t help that we got bumped up after going to state 2 times in a row,” Barnett said.
Despite the challenges, Barnett said she hopes the younger Crusaders continue developing.
“I still really like the team and I really like the coaches,” Barnett said. “I really want them to get back to state.”
Barnett said she is eager for the opportunity to test herself at a higher level while meeting new teammates.
“I guess getting a higher level of experience and getting to meet the new team,” Barnett said of what excites her most about college soccer.
