Lady Rebel Eighth-Graders Honored

McKENZIE (September 4) — Eighth-graders on the McKenzie Middle School Lady Rebels soccer team were recognized Thursday night during their final home game of the season.

Tim McBride announced the recognition ceremony, calling each player up to meet with her parents. Parents gave their player a bouquet of red and white flowers courtesy of Petals Azola.

Lady Rebel eighth-graders were Bella Batton, Lauren Burlison, Calista Diller, Nevaeh Herris, Kallie O’Rourke, Mahelet Rivera and Caitlin Umstead.

Batton (#7) is a captain this year. She has played with the Lady Rebels for three years and is a striker. She is the daughter of Chad and Josefina Batton. Her favorite middle school soccer memory is scoring goals with her sister, Lola.

Burlison (#2) is a midfielder and has played with the Lady Rebels for three years. She is the daughter of Wayne and Jennifer Burlison. Her favorite middle school soccer memory is enjoying every moment and having fun while improving with the team.

Diller (22) plays midfield. This was her first year on the team. She is the daughter of Angela and Cliff Diller. Her favorite soccer memory is getting to learn and grow with her teammates.

Herris (#13) plays defender. This was her first year on the team. She is the daughter of Melissa and Keith Herris. Her favorite soccer memory is just being on the field.

O’Rourke (#5) is a captain this year. She has played with the Lady Rebels for three years and plays left wing. She is the daughter of Brittnie Shell. Her favorite soccer memory is being selected as captain this year.

Rivera (#11) plays in the midfield. This was her third year playing with the Lady Rebels. She is the daughter of Cynthia and Frank Ramirez. Her favorite soccer memory is making friends and playing with everyone.

Umstead (#20) was the final eighth-grader recognized. She plays defense. This was her first year on the team. She is the daughter of Joseph Umstead and Ashley Corvin. Her favorite soccer memory is when she gives all her friends a hug and congratulates everyone after a game.

Mary Davis coaches the 2025-26 McKenzie Middle School Lady Rebels soccer team with assistance from Kathey Keys.

“It’s always bittersweet on eighth-grade night because it means the end of soccer season, and their transition to high school is that much closer,” Davis wrote in a Facebook post following the game.

Following the eighth-graders’ recognition, the Lady Rebels faced Henry County’s Lady Patriots. Though the game resulted in a 7-0 loss for the Lady Rebels, goalies Anna Summers and Layla Arnold recorded several saves. Addie Brown, Lola Batton, Bella Batton and Kallie O’Rourke had scoring chances. Davis applauded Sophie Pierce and Kaylee Keys, along with the defense, for doing a great job.

The Lady Rebels return to action Thursday, September 11, at Lexington and Tuesday, September 23, at Trenton.