Scrappy, vocal Gingrich leading by example during final season with Cheboygan girls soccer
CHEBOYGAN – Facing one of the most prolific attacks in the league, Autumn Gingrich didn’t back down.
Instead, the Cheboygan senior defender relished the challenge of taking on the undefeated McBain Northern Michigan Christian Academy Comets last week. But while the Chiefs just missed out on handing the Comets their first loss, Gingrich, a scrappy leader on Cheboygan’s back line, was everywhere in the contest, breaking up attacks, winning 50-50 balls and helping the Chiefs earn a 1-1 tie.
Basically, she was doing what a captain’s supposed to do – lead by example.
“As a captain, I really like getting the girls pumped up before games. That’s one of my favorite things,” Gingrich said. “I like being able to give helpful criticism. When I’m in the game, I might not sound like the nicest person, but they know that us captains are just trying to help them out, and it’s been a really interesting role on the team."
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Being a leader vocally has been critical for Gingrich, who was named one of three team captains before her senior campaign started. Since then, Gingrich, along with fellow senior captain Bella Lail, have formed a solid defensive partnership that was pivotal in the Chiefs starting the season with five shutout victories.
But to become stout defensively, Gingrich said it took hard work and it wasn’t always enjoyable.
“At the beginning, it was rough but (Coach Tom Markham) had us doing these drills at practice that we all hated, but it turned out to be really helpful,” Gingrich said. “I think on defense, me and (Bella) Lail just know where we’re going to be, and we know how to communicate with each other even without talking."
The path to becoming one of Cheboygan’s standouts on the pitch has been a fascinating one for Gingrich, who joined the varsity squad late during her sophomore year. Last year, she played a role in a Cheboygan defense that was good enough to claim a Northern Michigan Soccer League crown.
When she needs to, Gingrich will speak out. But she’ll also be there to encourage her teammates who might be struggling at a certain point, something captains do.
“To me, (being named captain) means making the charms that we put on our bags before every game, and getting the girls hyped up before game, and also making them feel confident after games, especially if we lost or if they were crying, walked off the field sad, whatever. Us captains try to keep their confidence up,” Gingrich said.
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With her high school career almost over, Gingrich has learned a lot in the Cheboygan program. But if anything, she’s embraced being that pesky defender that opponents don’t like to deal with.
“This is the only soccer experience I’ve had, I’ve loved it, and I think Mr. Markham is a very hard-working coach,” Gingrich said. “Sometimes you get frustrated, but I think learning from your mistakes is something that I’m going to take with me from soccer, especially here at Cheboygan.
"I’ve learned to play rough and to not take anything from anyone.”
Cheboygan travels to face Houghton Lake at 5 p.m. on Tuesday.
Contact sports editor Jared Greenleaf at jgreenleaf@gannett.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter @sportsCDT
This article originally appeared on Cheboygan Daily Tribune: Gingrich a vocal, positive leader for Cheboygan girls soccer team
