By Betty Gandee

Clay County has produced some valuable players over the years in baseball, basketball, and football.

Two students from Big Otter Elementary, Ariel Dobbins and Sparrow Potasnik-Reiter, are no exception.  These girls have been playing for the Braxton County Soccer Club for a combined nine straight seasons.

Ariel and Sparrow recently competed in the 2019 Midstate Chevrolet Classic held at the BCSC field.  Dobbins, daughter of Phil and Stephanie Dobbins, plays in the goalkeeper position and is quick to stop the opponents oncoming ball with amazing agility and speed.  Her skill in this position earned her the Goalkeeper Award for Defense.

Sparrow, daughter of Quincy Potasnik and Christopher Reiter, plays as a defender/offense striker.  Her strength and aggression on the field is fierce and her kick sends the ball soaring.  She received the Leadership Award for excellence in keeping the team motivated and on task.

This past season both of these young athletes played for the Dangerous Divas, an all-girl team, with Sparrow playing on the tournament in a mostly boys team, the Vipers, where she was one of three girls on the team.  In the fall of 2019 both Sparrow and Ariel will be a part of the first ever Lady Vipers BCSC team.

You can visit the Braxton County Soccer Club for more information about joining a team at www.braxtoncontysoccerclub.org or on Facebook under Youth Soccer Club/Braxton County Soccer Club/United States.