Pioneer of the week: Aug 23-29
Brent Carden photo
Each weekend, The Warren County Way will be selecting a Pioneer of the Week. That honor is sponsored by R3 Logistics. Be on the lookout for the Pioneers of the Week throughout the 2026-27 school year.
Noelle Bratcher, WCHS soccer
Entering the season, Noelle Bratcher had already established herself as one of Warren County's top offensive threats. This week, the junior showed she's ready to take her game to another level.
Bratcher scored four goals in a pair of Lady Pioneer victories, including a hat trick in Thursday's 3-1 district win at Lincoln County, to earn R3 Logistics Pioneer of the Week honors.
“This is a well deserved honor and I’m very excited for Noelle,” coach Todd Willmore said. “I have asked a lot of her this year and she has responded well.”
Bratcher's big week started Tuesday when she found the back of the net in Warren County's 4-0 home victory over Smyrna. She was one of four Lady Pioneers to score in the shutout win, joining Addison Steakley, Giselle Escamilla and Isabella Rodriguez.
Two nights later, Bratcher took over.
Warren County went on the road looking to start district play with a victory and Bratcher supplied all the offense the Lady Pioneers needed. She put Warren County ahead about nine minutes into the match, taking an assist from Steakley and beating the Lincoln County keeper to make it 1-0.
After Lincoln County eventually answered off a corner kick, Bratcher struck again before halftime. Emory MacDonald ripped a shot off the crossbar and Bratcher was there to capitalize, sending Warren County into the break with a 2-1 advantage.
She finished off her hat trick in the second half, winning a 50/50 ball, turning toward goal and finding the back-side netting to give the Lady Pioneers some breathing room.
“(She) had all three of our goals tonight and could have possibly added a couple more,” Willmore said following the victory. “It was a great offensive performance and a tremendous night for her.”
Big offensive nights are becoming nothing new for Bratcher. She emerged as one of Warren County's leading playmakers as a sophomore last season, scoring nine goals while leading the Lady Pioneers with seven assists.
Her responsibilities have only increased as a junior.
Bratcher takes Warren County's corner kicks and most of its free kicks while playing as one of the team's attacking midfielders. Willmore has put plenty on her plate as the Lady Pioneers attempt to run much of their offense through her.
“She’s confident on the ball and sees the field well,” Willmore said. “I’m very proud of her play so far and I’m looking forward to seeing her do more great things to help our team win!”
Bratcher certainly did her part last week. Her four goals helped Warren County pick up two victories and improve to 3-1 overall, with her biggest performance coming when the Lady Pioneers needed it most.
“Her three goals against Lincoln County gave our team a huge lift and momentum at just the right time,” Willmore said.
The Lady Pioneers will be back in action this week at Franklin County Tuesday before coming home for a matchup with Tullahoma Thursday.
