James Clemens ranked No. 1 in girls soccer, a program first
MADISON – For the first time in program history, the James Clemens girls soccer team is ranked No. 1 in Alabama among both Class 7A schools and the Super Poll. The Lady Jets are currently riding a near perfect 10-0 season, with the only “blemish” of allowing one goal all season in those 10 matches. The lone goal came off a penalty kick against No. 8 Sparkman on Feb. 19 as the Jets have scored 37 goals while allowing just that one to the Lady Senators.
“We have a great balance of all age groups on this team with each player motivated to be their best as they work well off each other as this team has jelled. This team’s chemistry is top-notch,” said Erin Riddle, in her 13th season as head coach.
So far in 2026, the Lady Jets have posted nine shutouts including a beat down of 8-nothing versus crosstown Bob Jones. In goal for James Clemens is 5-foot-9 freshman Khloe Lockett who has been superb in the net and more. “She has played every minute so far in goal for us and she prevents a lot of shots on goal by coming out of her comfort zone and grabbing the ball on defense,” said Riddle. “Overall, our defense has done well as we play box to box soccer. We defend and attack as eleven, as a full unit. We play what we call is connected soccer on defense.”
The offense has been led by scoring and assist leader Olivia Lawrence, a senior, who also led the team in similar fashion last season. Several other key players are making waves for the Lady Jets and include Amelia Mitchell (Sr.), Taylor Mikesell (Jr.), Emily Kaye (So.) and Makayla Byrd (So.), all of whom present a good attack for the squad. In midfield, two players stick out. Haddie Patterson (Sr.) and Claire Ward (Sr.) create action where they locked down the center of the field for the Jets.
The team roster is well balanced, as Riddle said, with four seniors, two juniors, three sophomores and six freshman, one of which is Riddle’s daughter, Cady Riddle. As head coach, Riddle also receives great support from her assistant coaches Juliana Blagburn and Laura Phillips.
“Here at James Clemens we always embrace playing others anywhere, anytime as we prep for all opponents and we always try and have difficult opponents and that fact gets our girls ready to show up ready to play,” said Riddle, who also spoke of two comeback players. “Yes, in 2024 Olivia (Lawrence) suffered an ankle injury and came back to be our leading scorer last season and Haddie (Patterson) came back from a back injury.”
A season ago, the Jets made it to the Class 7A Final Four and finished that campaign with a 14-2-3 record. In both 2024 (13-3-4) and 2023 (11-64) the team lost in the first round of the state playoffs. So the progression in the talent on this team is evident and it looks at this point in the current season there’s no stopping the flight plan of these Jets.
“Being number one in the state is great, but we are taking it in stride and honored to be voted in,” added Riddle. “This group of players has had upsetting losses in previous seasons and each team we play will be giving their best in attempt to upset us again. We have to keep performing and have the humility in our heart and fight as a team.”
