BY DAN STICKRADT
Communications Specialist | Web And Content Editor | Director of News |
Social Media Director | Interns and Freelance Coordinator
PH: (248) 884-1051
TW: @LocalSportsFans @MiSoccerNetwork
(Michigan Soccer Network Communications Specialist / Web and Content Editor / Director of News Dan Stickradt compiles team capsules for over 460 girls soccer programs statewide. Email pertinent information to stickradt@michigansoccernetwork.com. Follow on Twitter @msn_stickradt, @LocalSportsFans, or @MiSoccerNetwork and on numerous social media platforms.)
SCHOOL: Ann Arbor Huron
HEAD COACH: Murali Nair, fifth season.
2023 OVERALL AND LEAGUE RECORD / FINISH: 12-3-2, 10-2-2 SEC-Red (third)
2023 STATE TOURNAMENT RESULTS: Lost in D-1 pre-districts to Ann Arbor Pioneer (2-1)
RETURNING STARTERS: Aniya Siable, sr. F; Melinda Mei, sr. M; Lucy Paliani, jr. D.
OTHER KEY RETURNEES: Emiko Sano, sr. D/F; Min Coulombe, jr. G; Solana Peralta, jr. D/F; Jaye Robbins Oliver, sr. D
KEY NEWCOMERS: Grace Gillespie, fr. CB; No other players specified.
ROSTER: No list submitted.
NOTABLES/OUTLOOK/COACH’S QUOTE: Huron dented the state rankings last season as it was battling several quality schools from the two-division Southeastern Conference. The River Rats finished third in the SEC-Red, posted nine shutouts and outscored its foes 74-12 as part of a 12-win season. A large group departed via graduation, so the River Rats started 3-2-0 with nine goals for and nine against with one clean sheet.
SCHOOL: Ann Arbor Pioneer
HEAD COACH: Andy Irvine, first season
2023 OVERALL AND LEAGUE RECORD / FINISH: 11-6-1, 9-5-0 SEC-Red (fourth)
2023 STATE TOURNAMENT RESULTS: Def. Ann Arbor Huron (2-1); lost in D-1 district semifinals to Saline (2-1)
RETURNING STARTERS: Ivy Wilhelm, jr. D/M (All-State Honorable Mention); Georgia Wilhelm, jr. M; Lydia Behold, sr. D/F; Daryn McDaniel, sr. M; Zoel Williston, sr. D/M; Quincy Behm, soph. F.
OTHER KEY RETURNEES: Jessica Jia, sr. D; Sadie Wilkins, jr. F; Maya Borgsdorf, soph. M; Molly Burke, soph. G.
KEY NEWCOMERS: Ava Fortini, fr. D/M; Lucinda Gubbini, fr. M; Milly Sandstorm, fr. F; Hadley Feyen, jr. F; Jessa Lenart, jr. G; Emerson Marion, soph. D; Sofia Ortega, soph. D; Bella Shemke, soph. D; Laine Templeton, jr. F; Mariam Yansane, sr. F; Isabella Zamora, sr. M.
NOTABLES/OUTLOOK/COACH’S QUOTE: After finishing fourth in a deep SEC-Red last season, Pioneer must retool its lineup under first-year coach Andy Irvine. The Pioneers graduated half of their roster and lost several others to either the ECNL 10-month or Girls Academy ranks. Still, the cupboard is not bare and Pioneer still should remain in the hunt for a top-third finish in the league. Pioneer outscored its opposition 64-22 last season with nine shutouts but still finished fourth in the league and lost in the district semifinals in a deep district. The Pioneers are 5-2-0 to start 2024 with a 26-9 scoring difference and three clean sheets. … “This is a completely revamped team with only four returning starters after graduating 11 players and sending three to the Michigan Hawks or Nationals. We have a talented young group with great senior leadership, so the challenge will be to see how quickly this group can gel,” said coach Andy Irvine.
SCHOOL: Ann Arbor Skyline
HEAD COACH: Chris Morgan
2023 OVERALL AND LEAGUE RECORD / FINISH: 12-4-5, 9-1-4 SEC-Red (second)
2023 STATE TOURNAMENT RESULTS: Def. Dexter (3-0); def. Belleville (5-0); lost in D-1 district finals to Saline (2-1, 2OT)
RETURNING STARTERS: Sofia Nehro, sr. G (All-State Dream Team; D-I and D-II recruit); Brianna Ferguson, sr. M; Lucy Serlin, sr. D; Hadley Zann, sr. D; Cassie Gonzales, sr. M; Ava DeBenedet, sr. F; Lily Carlson, sr. F/M; Valentina LaMarca, sr. M.
OTHER KEY RETURNEES: Ainsley Gardner, sr. G; Jade Thompson, sr. M; River Pham, sr. F Gabrielle Marble, sr. M; Elle Kierce, sr. M; Kennedy Wassef, sr. D
KEY NEWCOMERS: No players specified.
NOTABLES/OUTLOOK/COACH’S QUOTE: Since Ann Arbor Skyline first opened its doors in 2008-09, the Eagles have been competitive in both girls soccer and boys soccer. Do expect anything else this spring. Skyline should again be one of the top teams in the SEC-Red and contend for a district title. Last year Skyline put up some really impressive numbers with an 82-10 scoring edge and 14 shutouts. The Eagles lost to Saline in the district finals in overtime. This season Skyline is 3-0-0 and one of those wins was a 1-0 decision over Saline.
SCHOOL: Dexter
HEAD COACH: Rhys Moller
2023 OVERALL AND LEAGUE RECORD / FINISH: 8-6-5, 6-5-3 SEC-Red (fifth)
2023 STATE TOURNAMENT RESULTS: Lost in D-1 pre-districts to Ann Arbor Skyline (3-0)
RETURNING STARTERS: Laci Jernigan, sr. F (All-State Third Team, 30 goals, 21 assists in career); Alexis Roller, jr. M (All-SEC Honorable Mention, All-District); Annamarie Myint, soph. F (All-District); Olivia Shaieb, sr. D; Kendall Cabana, jr. D
KEY NEWCOMERS: Brynn Fitch, soph. M (played Michigan Hawks ECNL last season); Bella Vetere, fr. M/F; Savannah Lowe, fr. D
NOTABLES/OUTLOOK/COACH’S QUOTE: Dexter is always competitive and will be young this season with a quality freshmen and sophomore classes climbing the ranks. The Dreadnaughts again have some of the state’s elite talent in their hallways not playing high school soccer, so that has a direct effect of their success in the state tournament. Still this team should compete with Saline and the three Ann Arbor schools in the SEC-Red. … “We’re a really young team, talented though. We’ve been in Division 1 for the last 5-6 years and we just moved back down to our usual Division 2 placement, so we’re excited to see how we fit in after being away for so long,” said coach Rhys Moller.
SCHOOL: Monroe
HEAD COACH: Scot Chaffin
2023 OVERALL AND LEAGUE RECORD / FINISH: 8-12-2, 4-10-0 SEC-Red (sixth)
2023 STATE TOURNAMENT RESULTS: Def. Lincoln Park (8-0); lost in D-1 district semifinals to Woodhaven (2-1)
RETURNING STARTERS: Rebecca Pace, sr. M; Brooke Trouton, sr.; Chloe Pabin, sr. D; Emily Eshenroder, sr.; Alexis McMahon, jr. M; Alexandria Younglove, jr. D (All-SEC Honorable Mention); Zoe Leach, jr. D; Clair Charnock, jr. M; Brooke Trouten, sr. M/F
OTHER KEY RETURNEES: Sydney Cline, sr. M; Mariah Crisp, sr. D.
KEY NEWCOMERS: Lola Cacioppo, fr.; Jocelynn Aldridge, fr.; Gabrielle Willis, fr.; Isabella Reed, fr.; Alle Marcero, fr.; Aubrey Cowan, fr.; Lindsey Klienow, soph.; Abigail Dieckmann, soph.
NOTABLES/OUTLOOK/COACH’S QUOTE: Monroe scored 54 goals last season with six shutouts which is a quality amounts. But the Trojans yielded 84 goals and were shut out eight times. If Monroe can shore up its backline then the Trojans can see some major improvements.
SCHOOL: Saline
HEAD COACH: Leigh Rumbold
2023 OVERALL AND LEAGUE RECORD / FINISH: 15-2-5, 10-1-3 SEC-Red (first)
2023 STATE TOURNAMENT RESULTS: Def. Ann Arbor Pioneer (2-1); def. Ann Arbor Skyline (2-1, 2OT, district finals); def. Woodhaven (6-0, regional semifinals); def. Plymouth Canton (1-0, 2OT, regional finals); lost in D-1 state semifinals to Rochester Stoney Creek (2-0)
RETURNING STARTERS: Lydia Zajchowski, soph. D (All-State Third Team; recently came back from injury); Nada Derneika, soph. M; Sadie Walsh, soph. M; Sienna Snyder, jr. M (All-State Honorable Mention); Audrey Driskell, sr. D; Ashley Kruse, sr. M; Christina Snyder, jr. M; Norah Dawid, sr. G
OTHER KEY RETURNEES: Ellie Warden, sr. D/M; Riley Ablauf, sr. D/M; Kordula Sadek, jr. M; Bettina Soares, jr. D; Ava Printy, jr. D/M; Anika Sadek, jr. M
KEY NEWCOMERS: Avery Nam, sr. F (played with Michigan Hawks the last few years); Cora Conley, jr. M (played with Michigan Hawks the last few years); Kaylee Mizel, fr. G; Leighann Farrell, sr. G; Nora Walsh, fr. D/M; Caylin Sturms, fr. M; MaKena Means, soph. M/F; Halli Harris, soph. M/F.
NOTABLES/OUTLOOK/COACH’S QUOTE: Saline was blessed with an experienced senior class and a great freshman group last season who combined to lead the Hornets to a Division 1 Final Four amongst other team accolades. Although seven players graduated, there are 13 returnees back plus two players that came over from the Michigan Hawks and three more freshmen that could all make an impact. Expect the Hornets to challenge again for SEC Red Division and district titles again and even more if it can escape a loaded district. Saline started the year 3-1-1 with a 22-1 scoring edge, the only conceded goal was against Ann Arbor Skyline in a 1-0 loss. … “We have everybody back except the seven that graduated and we have a lot of experience. Plus, we have some players that came over from club and some nice freshman and we’re excited to see what they can do or where they’ll fill in,” said coach Leigh Rumbold.
SCHOOL: Temperance Bedford
HEAD COACH: Kellie Grosteffon
2023 OVERALL AND LEAGUE RECORD / FINISH: 3-14-1, 2-12-0 SEC-Red (seventh)
2023 STATE TOURNAMENT RESULTS: Def. Taylor (8-0); lost in D-1 district semifinals to Dearborn Edsel Ford (2-1)
RETURNING STARTERS: Jordan Ripple, sr. D (All-SEC, All-District); Kam Clifton, sr. D (All-District); Libby Ewing, sr. M (All-District); Maddie Helpman, sr.; Madden Mosley, sr.; Presley Napier, sr. M; Fabiana Valdez, jr.
OTHER KEY RETURNEES: Miran Saleh, sr.; Brookelyn Horton, sr.; Bre Boros, sr.
KEY NEWCOMERS: Gabby Chapple, soph.; Kamryn Morse, soph.; Haley Lawson, soph.; Lily Zornow, soph.; Elizabeth Klocek, fr.; Avry Madalinski, fr.
NOTABLES/OUTLOOK/COACH’S QUOTE: Kellie Grosteffon took over this struggling program last season and has the task of building up the Kicking Mules to a respectable, competitive level in a league of traditionally-strong foes such as Saline, Dexter, Ann Arbor Skyline, Ann Arbor Pioneer and Ann Arbor Huron – all programs rooted in history of success in boys soccer and girls soccer who annually inherit quality club players from the Michigan Hawks, Michigan Tigers and Michigan Jaguars amongst others. Baby steps for Grosteffon and Bedford. The program does welcome back a solid core to keep building upon and boasts some talented freshmen and sophomores. Will it be enough to climb a spot or two in the standings remains to be seen. The Kicking Mules have already matched last year’s win total through April 15, going 3-2-1 with a 21-12 scoring edge. That is significant because Bedford was outscored 82-26 last season and shut out 13 times.
SCHOOL: Ypsilanti Lincoln
HEAD COACH: Jordan Jackson
2023 OVERALL AND LEAGUE RECORD / FINISH: 1-17-0, 0-14-0 SEC-Red (eighth)
2023 STATE TOURNAMENT RESULTS: Lost in D-1 pre-districts to Belleville (9-0)
RETURNING STARTERS: No names submitted.
OTHER KEY RETURNEES: No names submitted.
KEY NEWCOMERS: No names submitted.
ROSTER: No list submitted.
NOTABLES/OUTLOOK/COACH’S QUOTE: The Railsplitters are up against the odds and are in a similar situation as many city schools in the state such as Saginaw United, Flint Carman-Ainsworth, Wyoming, Muskegon, Wayne Memorial, Detroit Renaissance, Ypsilanti Community, River Rouge and many others. Most of Lincoln’s players are athletes but don’t play at high level clubs opposed to most schools in the two-division Southeastern Conference. The Railsplitters can compete in certain sports but struggle mightily in girls soccer. Case in point in 2023. Lincoln only scored nine goals overall and only one goal in 14 league games. The Railsplitters yielded 161 goals (8.95 goals-against-average) and their only win came against Division 3 charter school Ypsilanti Arbor Prep, a smaller school in a similar situation. Lincoln started this season 1-6-0.
(MSN will compile a random sampling of game results from around the state each day. To send in results from high school varsity, club, amateur, pre-pro, semi-pro or professional soccer, email all pertinent details to Communications Specialist / Web and Content Editor / Director of News Dan Stickradt at stickradt@michigansoccernetwork.com.)
(Have a story suggestion for the Premier Media Group and the Michigan Soccer Network regarding club soccer, high school varsity, amateur soccer, collegiate soccer or professional soccer of teams or players with Michigan ties, contact Communications Specialist/Web and Content Editor/Director of News Dan Stickradt via email at stickradt@michigansoccernetwork.com, or call 248-884-1051. Dan Stickradt is a 31-year veteran of the Michigan Media circles and recently joined the staff full time in March of 2024. Want to schedule a broadcast game or live show, contact PMG/MSN Director of Broadcasting Jonathan Turner for availability and pricing at jonathan@michigansoccernetwork.com.)
