By Blake Chadwick
For the Rose Hill girls soccer program, the identity has been built slowly, intentionally and with a clear vision from head coach Shelby Kaba.
Now in his third year leading the program, Kaba has helped guide Rose Hill into a more defined tactical direction centered around possession, composure and control.
“I have been coaching for 17 years in total,” Kaba said. “Bringing that veteran experience to this group has been rewarding, especially watching our tactical identity take shape over the last few seasons.”
Kaba’s identity is rooted in a proactive, attack-first mindset, but he emphasizes that success goes far beyond formation or strategy. For him, it starts with decision-making under pressure.
“My philosophy is built around proactive possession and mental speed,” he said. “We want players who are confident on the ball and able to make smart, clinical decisions while staying composed. We want to dictate the tempo of the game.”
As Rose Hill continues to grow, the focus this season is not on short-term results but long-term development and consistency.
“Our primary goal is consistent evolution,” Kaba said. “We focus on the process over the result so that by postseason, we are playing our best soccer.”
That approach has helped establish a strong core of returning talent across the field. Senior forward Kyia Kelly leads the attack, while senior defender Aubrey Moore anchors the back line. Junior Blythe Hackney provides consistency and soccer IQ in the midfield, and junior defender Brinley Fouts brings versatility and discipline. Sophomore Avery Hottovy adds explosive scoring ability, and sophomore goalkeeper Raymie Kroeker gives the team confidence in net.
Rose Hill also continues to see young talent step into bigger roles, including sophomore defender Bryley Parker, sophomore midfielder Nevaeh Salinas and freshman midfielder Brynlie Liebl, all expected to contribute this season.
But beyond personnel, Kaba believes the team’s identity is what sets it apart.
“Our motto is ‘Cleats. Beats. Repeats,’” he said. “It represents preparation, culture and the discipline to repeat excellence every day.”
