Darton women’s soccer signs local standouts

ALBANY — Coming off a successful 2014 season, Darton women’s soccer coach Ken Veilands is expecting to improve on last year’s success. He took a step in that direction Friday afternoon by signing three of the area’s top high school players — Cheyenne Colvin and Haley Kincheloe from Deerfield-Windsor School, Ivy Booker from Lee County and Sydney Bishop from Palm Harbor University (Fla.) High School.

Colvin, a five-year starter for the Lady Knights, was a GISA All-Region and All-State selection in 2013 and ‘14. She had originally committed to Montevallo but backed out of that commitment.

“I wasn’t sure that I wanted to play college soccer for the next four years of my life,” Colvin said. “I chose Darton so that would give me two years to decide if I want to go on, and I will certainly improve under coach Veilands.”

It was a busy Friday for Colvin. She competed for the Lady Knights in the GISA state track & field meet before the signing. Colvin also played softball for the Lady Knights, having pitched a no-hitter this past season.

Colvin’s teammate, Haley Kincheloe, had offers from NCAA Division II schools such as West Georgia, Clayton St. and Georgia Southwestern. In the end, she chose to play for the Lady Cavaliers.

“I decided on Darton after meeting and playing with the team and also knowing coach Veilands for years. I know that he will prepare me for the next level,” Kincheloe said. “Academically, they have a good dental hygiene program, and I plan on going into that field.”

Kincheloe, who also runs cross country and runs track, feels that her experience at Deerfield-Windsor has prepared her for the rigors of college life.

In their first year at the Class AAAAAA level, Lee County’s Ivey Booker has helped lead the Lady Trojans to the second round of the GHSA state tournament. The Lady Trojans finished the regular season at 13-4-1 and 5-3 in region. They won their first-round state playoff game over Alcovy and face Grayson in the second round on Tuesday.

Booker has been a huge part of the Lady Trojans’ success. For her career, she has tallied 45 goals and 34 assists so far.

“Ivy has been one of the best players I have ever coached. She is not only a great player, but a player that you want on your team,” Lee County coach David Baltenberger said. “She always has a positive attitude and keeps her teammates motivated.”

Baltenberger said Booker suffered a knee injury during her sophomore year but came back to have strong junior and senior seasons.