After four seasons as the women’s soccer coach at Hinds Community College, Kori Babb has had to temper her expectations a bit since her return to the high school ranks.

Not so much for her Vicksburg High team’s prospects. The Missy Gators return several players, including 2010 Vicksburg Post player of the year Tabitha Hayden, from a squad that reached the second round of the Class 6A playoffs last season.

Babb, rather, has had to rein in herself a bit. Adjusting small things like workout routines and terminology to suit a diverse mix of talent, rather than the elite players she had at the junior college level, has been a challenge, she said.

“It’s been difficult for me. I have some players that comprehend that level and some that don’t. I’ve had to change terminology and styles of practice. I’m back to basics, basically,” said Babb, who spent three seasons as a part-time soccer assistant and softball head coach with VHS before her stint at Hinds began in 2006. “That’s fine, because I enjoy being able to teach and coach this game.”

One thing helping Babb is a young roster that can learn her style as it grows. The Missy Gators have only one senior and no freshmen. Even Hayden, who has scored more than 30 goals the past two seasons, is only a sophomore.

Despite their youth, Hayden and a few other players have gotten some varsity playing time in the past. Babb is hoping they take on a larger leadership role to bridge the experience gap.

“My hope is the stronger, more experienced girls will be role models on the field, and get them in position to make the right passes and decisions,” Babb said. “If I can get them to be my voice on the field, that’s going to help us even more.”

In goal, Robin Cooper takes over for three-year starter Kelli Brewer. Cooper started some games as a seventh-grader at St. Aloysius, but has largely been a reserve and field player since transferring to Vicksburg.

“She’s a strong keeper and very vocal,” Babb said.

A major problem for the Missy Gators is depth. Beyond the starting 11, there are only a handful of reserves — most of them younger players with little or no real game experience. Although Babb acknowledged it’s an issue, she said the starting lineup is strong enough to ensure a decent season for the Missy Gators.

“I think we’ve got at least two or three (reserves) that can give some playing time. If nothing else, the strong ones are strong enough to where we can hide our weaknesses,” Babb said. “I’ve got some experience, so I think it’ll come together. Once they see the game and the field, if they can put all the pieces together they’ll be fine.”