Sophomore CeCe Kizer adds another dimension to Rebels’ offense
OXFORD, MS. – As a freshman, CeCe Kizer was one of the best offensive players in the nation, scoring goals at will. Now as a sophomore, the Overland Park, Kansas native has added another solid piece to her offensive attack.
Just a season ago, Kizer finished the season with 14 goals, seven of them were game-winners, which placed her at the top of the Southeastern Conference and fourth in the nation. But Kizer didn’t settle on just being the top scorer for Ole Miss. She wanted to share the wealth, so she used the offseason to work on another aspect of her game: passing.
“I’m such a team player and if my job is to give the assist and Addie (Forbus) scores, it’s whatever to get the win,” said Kizer, who scored one of her team’s three goals Sunday night against Lipscomb.
Two stars leading the way
Addie Forbus currently leads the nation with seven goals. (Photo credit: Josh McCoy, Ole Miss Athletics)
Speaking of senior forward Addie Forbus, she has become an integral part of Kizer’s expanded game. Instead of going for the score, Kizer now looks all over the field for an open teammate–and frequently that is Forbus.
Kizer’s vision on the soccer field was on full display in the 19th-ranked Rebels’ 3-1 win over the Bisons, as she used her footwork to loop through multiple Lipscomb defenders and find Forbus open twice for two goals.
Thanks in part to Kizer’s field vision and unselfishness, Forbus currently leads the nation in goals (seven). In just four games this season, Kizer has recorded three assists–compared to just one she recorded during the 2015 season. And with Kizer and Forbus having similar offensive minds, Ole Miss coach Matthew Mott is confident with both of his star players leading the way.
She passes the ball so well, that’s why we have her in that position. It was nice to see her get a goal and two quality passes. Her vision is so, so good and accurate and I am just so happy with her.
Coach Matt Mott on CeCe Kizer passing the ball
Before the 2016 season got started for the Rebels (3-1), Kizer and Forbus worked on their chemistry throughout the offseason.
We have just been working really hard in practice to get the chemistry down. Obviously, having the year of experience together is really great and I think we just work really well in creating opportunities up top.
CeCe Kizer on chemistry with teammate Addie Forbus
Kizer admitted she has learned a lot from communicating with Forbus every day at practice. Each time the team is going through an offensive set, Forbus pinpoints the spots where Kizer needs to put the ball.
“We try to figure out different ways that we can attack and change it up,” Kizer said. “And she’s really good about where she wants the ball. I think we have grown a lot since last year.”
Next Up
On Friday, the Rebels take on the Michigan Wolverines in Ann Arbor at 7:00 p.m. (CT) before returning home to play Troy at 7:00 p.m. (CT) Sunday in Oxford.
(Feature image credit: Josh McCoy, Ole Miss Athletics)
Courtney Smith
Courtney is from Memphis and received his Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts from the University of Memphis in May of 2014. He began his journalism career covering the Memphis Tigers Men's basketball team, which landed him an intern position on 730 Yahoo Sports Radio and a position with Rivals.com. A freelance writer for the Associated Press, Courtney is also a member of The Rebel Walk team and reports regularly on Ole Miss football and basketball. Courtney, the father of a six-year old girl named Soniyah, prefers to cover NCAA basketball and football, but is happy to report on any other sport that comes his way.
