Soccer may be on horizon at Kaplan High School

Thanks to the effort of two area mothers armed with a devotion to local youth, Kaplan High is well on its way to establishing a school soccer team.

Celeste Lambert and Denise Simon became friends while watching their children play soccer for Cajun Youth Sports.

Celeste’s oldest son, Trenton, and Denise’s oldest daughter, Gabrielle, both expressed interest in playing the sport on an official high school league. The two moms quickly went to work, but were unable to accomplish the
task before the two students graduated from KHS.

It has taken nearly four years, but their dream is quickly becoming a reality. There was a lot of red tape and out of pocket costs to become certified to coach and establish a school team, all of which impeded the process.

The duo are now entering the final stages of forming the Kaplan Pirates Soccer Team. Kaplan High is one of the few Vermilion Parish schools without their own soccer team.

Abbeville, Erath and North Vermilion all have soccer teams.

There looks to be a demand for soccer. With four recreational leagues in the vicinity, Lambert and Simon feel a high school league is a logical step.

Celeste said, “My son’s dream was to play for his school, but no one could ever get it done. We’re just two parents who see the potential and the passion that these kids have for soccer, and the fact that they want to wear
their school colors.”

Currently, there are 22 KHS students who have signed up for the team. Initially, it will be coed until the time comes when there are enough girls to create a Lady Pirates soccer team.

Although the team is still in the organizational phase, the moms are hoping to order uniforms soon and begin playing this year.

The first year will mainly be played away, with home games also played away, until equipment can be purchased and the football field can be fitted for soccer.

After being fully functional for two years, the KHS soccer team can then begin playing district games. The games would be played on weeknights, with the occasional Saturday game.

Currently, the greatest obstacle the Kaplan Pirates soccer team faces is lack of financial backing. They are in need of donations and volunteers. The biggest expenses are in uniforms, referees for games, field equipment for
games and practices, and transportation costs for away games.

There is a great future potential for soccer at Kaplan High. Celeste and Denise hope that the program will continue to expand once word gets out. In addition, there have been talks of starting a feeder program at Rene Rost.

With the help of the community, this dream can be brought to fruition. Anyone willing to donate funds, or time and supplies to make equipment, can contact Celeste Lambert at 337-517-1991 or Denise Simon at 337-522-2140.

Celeste Lambert has three children. Her oldest Trenton graduated last year and is currently in the Marines. Her two youngest, Nicholas and Jordan, are in grades 9th and 8th respectively. Denise Simon also has three children.

Her oldest Gabrielle graduated last year. Her two youngest, Jack and Laura, are in grades 11th and 10th respectively.

By Melissa Hargrave
Correspondent