MEYA JAMES NAMED MOST VALUABLE PLAYER
MARBURY HIGH SCHOOL
The Southern Union Bison received a National Letter of Intent from Marbury High School (MHS) senior Meya James. James is the second Marbury High School Girls’ Soccer player to sign with Southern Union College.
James, a midfielder who served as a team captain for the Bulldogs, signed her letter of commitment in a ceremony held at Marbury High School. James was being scouted by multiple colleges in the area, as well as out-of-state programs before deciding to sign with Southern Union.
The Southern Union Soccer Program is currently in its second year under the leadership of head coach Mac Matthews, who was the former longtime coach of the girls’ soccer program at Auburn High. The second-year program has been showing promise and has been working diligently to continue its upward trajectory.
James’ tenure on the MHS Varsity team has seen several remarkable accomplishments. The 2023 Marbury girls’ soccer team had a record of 23-3 and made school history by being the first MHS team ever to be ranked #1 in the State by AHSAA (Alabama High School Athletic Association). The team made it to the State 5A Final Four championship games. Additionally, last year’s team was only the second team ever to win the West Alabama Invitational championship back-to-back. This season, Marbury made it to the Elite Eight and lost their playoff game in overtime during penalty kicks.
Marbury Soccer Head Coach Brent Sowell and Assistant Coach George Bruce praised James’ strong work ethic and her ability to “make magic” on the field. Sowell recounted a game last year against Sylacauga, where the score was tied 0-0 through regular time. A Marbury shot in overtime hit the goal crossbar, and James, with her quick thinking, headed the rebound into the net, knocking in the game-winning goal. James won the Most Valuable Player award for Marbury this year.
Coach Matthews and the soccer program are looking forward to having James on board and they are confident that she will be a valuable asset to the team.
James will be joining her former teammate and 2023 MHS graduate, Mackenzie Smith (goalkeeper), on the Southern Union Women’s Soccer Team.
