By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

AURORA

Head Coach: Domenica McClintock, 9th year, 63-60-13 career record.

Coaching Staff: Adam Gharky, Ken Labadie.

2023 Record: 6-8-3 overall, 3-3-1 Suburban League.

Returning Letterwinners (14): Sophie Petrash, sr.; Charlotte Hart, sr.; Skylar Rule, sr.; Hannah Hopwood, sr.; Ally Kaufman, sr.; Kylie Griffis, jr.; Juliana Huth, jr.; Riley Verespej, jr.; Olivia Leon, jr.; Mallory Curtis, soph.; Bella Sferry, soph.; Ellen Tachdjian, soph.; Caitlin Miller, soph.; Kelly Gerlock, soph.

Letterwinners Lost (3): Dannica Amos, Madeline Dalessandro, Cali Edgar.

Forwards: Elakia Vadivelan is returning from an injury that kept her out all of last season.

“It will be great to have her back contributing to the attack,” McClintock said.

Another returning face is Riley Verespej, who is described by McClintock as a “relentless” attacker.

Midfield: “We have a solid set of midfielders back this season.”

That group includes Charlotte Hart, Abby Dalessandro and Bella Sferry in the middle, with wingers being played by a combination of Olivia Leon, Kylie Griffis, Julianna Huth and Ellen Tachdjain.

“They all bring something different to our play and will be fun to watch this season.”

Defense: The entire back line returns, with starters including Sophie Petrash, Caitlin Miller, Skylar Rule and Mallory Curtis.

Goalkeepers: Hannah Hopwood returns as the starter, with Kelly Gerlock set as the backup.

“Our goalies will continue to anchor our line and help direct us defensively.”

Underclassmen to Watch: Brooke Warnke, fresh.; Jessica Marotta, fresh.

CRESTWOOD

Head Coach: Eric Sway, 2nd year, 9-6-1 career record.

Coaching Staff: Ray Ferrari, Jeff Julian.

2023 Record: 9-6-1 overall record; Chagrin Valley Conference champions.

Returning Letterwinners (8): Delaney McMahon, sr.; Erin Hallis, sr.; Alyssa Hallis, sr.; Ava Julian, sr.; Taylor Larch, sr.; Lilly Stoots, sr.; Dakota Rennecker, sr.; Addi Harner, sr.

Letterwinners Lost (4): Allie Bartell, Kami Ferrari, Aspen Baynes, Malea Hickin.

Forwards: Ava Julian spotlights the group and has the potential to finish her career with a special season. She can score from distance and in traffic, while also possessing technical skill, IQ and speed.

Midfield: Erin Hallis was named the CVC Player of the Year last season and returns to anchor a powerful midfield group.

“Erin can score at will, dish out assists as needed and is the hardest working player we have,” Sway said.

Alyssa Hallis is moving into the midfield after playing in a defensive role last year.

Taylor Larch will play on the wing. She is quick and has a great shot from the outside.

“If she is left alone, she can kill defenses with all the skills she has to offer. She’s definitely a player to keep an eye on this season.”

Defense: The back line features three experienced players in seniors Lilly Stoots, Dakota Rennecker and Addi Harper.

“Lilly and Dakota are physical and hard to get around. Both have great footskills to play out and up from the back. Addi will shore up an outside back and add to the senior depth and experience.”

Underclassmen to Watch: Livia Martini, soph.; Hailey Persarchek, fresh.

FIELD

Head Coach: Jason Schindler, 4th year, 32-19-5 career record.

Coaching Staff: Nick Miletti, Tom Nader.

2023 Record: 10-7-1 overall record.

Returning Letterwinners (11): Abby Harlin, sr.; Mckayla Miller, sr.; Delilah Rahe, sr.; Ally Harlin, sr.; Taryn Allen, sr.; Olivia Prof, sr.; Savannah Phillips, sr.; Carlee Fafrak, sr.; Makayla Norman, jr.; Kayla Phillips, soph.; Winter Matijakovic, soph.

Letterwinners Lost (10): Lena Wymer, Mya Kramer, Haley Hershberger, Savannah Rahe, Emma Norman, Reese Williams, Brianna Gabele, Zoey Matijakovic, Adriana Bright, Olivia Kessler.

Forwards: Freshman Brooklyn Wilson and sophomore Kelsey Tucker will lead the way up top, with Winter Matijakovic, Dre Maione, Kenzie Constable and Annaliese Nichols adding depth to the position.

Midfield: Three All-Metro Athletic Conference performers highlight the midfield in Delilah Rahe (First Team), Taryn Allen (Second Team) and Mckayla Miller (Honorable Mention).

All three possess good speed, footskills and IQ on the field.

Depth is provided by junior Reese Tucker, sophomores Kayla Phillips and Natalie Miller, along with freshman Peyton Schock.

Defense: Four key players return in Ally Harlin, Abby Harlin, Olivia Prof and Makayla Norman.

Ally Harlin was named Second Team All-MAC last season. 

Also along the back line will be junior Raegan Slusser, sophomore Hailey Reed, freshmen Audrey Richmond, Cara Henderson, Lauren West and Zoe Kramer.

Goalkeeper: Senior Carlee Fafrak is the returning starter, with Kramer as the backup.

Underclassmen to Watch: Kelsey Tucker, soph.; Audrey Richmond, fresh.; Brooklyn Wilson, fresh.; Peyton Schock, fresh.

GARFIELD

Head Coach: Aaron Gilbert, 8th season, 47-67-1 career record.

Coaching Staff: Kelliann Collins, Abby Carey.

2023 Record: 0-14-2 overall.

Returning Letterwinners (16): Hallie Cebulla, sr.; Aby Seiler, sr.; Taylor Wade, jr.; Emily Seni, jr.; Sophia Dahlen, jr.; Kellyn Bartlett-Habeger, jr.; Camille Arana, jr.; Tori White, jr.; Elise Edwards, jr.; Cameron Tayerle, jr.; Lana Gabbard, jr.; Poppy Graf, jr.; Summer Hlavaty, jr.; Hannah Timmons, soph.; Ruby Price, soph.; Tao Bowers, soph.

Letterwinners Lost (5): Lizzie Moore, Rylie Turner, Kali Tasker, Lille Shackelford, Ella Badovick.

Forwards: The group will include Kellyn Bartlett-Habeger, Kaelyn Tasker, Camille Arana and Aby Seiler.

Midfield: Gilbert’s rotation will feature Hallie Cebulla, Tao Bowers, Riley Grace, Taylor Wade, Becca Evans and Madi Seiler.

Defense: The G-Men have an experienced group returning this season, which includes Elise Edwards, Hannah Timmons, Tori White, Emily Seni, Summer Hlavaty and Sophia Dahlen.

Goalkeeper: Ruby Price and Camille Arana both return from last season.

Underclassmen to Watch: Kaelyn Tasker, jr.; Riley Grace, jr.; Madi Seiler, soph.; Becca Evans, soph.

KENT ROOSEVELT

Head Coach: Samantha Spicer, 3rd year, 13-18-3 career record.

Coaching Staff: JonMichael Weigel, Tanjenae Harris.

2023 Record: 6-10-2.

Returning Letterwinners (14): Eleanor Morris, sr.; Katarina Vorhauer, sr.; Lillian Skold, sr.; Mayara Krifa, sr.; Gianna Yanelli, jr.; Hannah Hido, jr.; Ava Housel, jr.; Abigail Booher, jr.; Alexis Schiavoni, soph.; Molly Murphy, soph.; Leona Chambers, soph.; Brooklynn Frank, soph.; Evelyn Harris, soph.; Marie Vorhauer, soph.

Letterwinners Lost (7): Abigail Carbone, Kaleigh McMullen, Sara Yanelli, Francesca Ferrara, Alea Haines, Madelin Baron, Fadia Naqash.

Forwards: Gianna Yanelli returns for her third season as a starter.

“She will create opportunities not only for herself, but also her teammates. We also have a decent mix of technical ability paired with speed from our other forwards that will be a great counterpart.”

Midfield: The Riders feature depth in talent here, with junior Hannah Hido leading the way. Two other key role players will be Molly Murphy and Alex Schiavoni.

“They will all be incredibly instrumental, not just this fall, but building our program for the future.”

Defense: “We are defensive heavy this year and have a lot of good players who are willing to step in and compete at any moment.”

The back line will be a younger group that is limited on varsity experience.

Senior Eleanor Morris will be the anchor, alongside senior Katarina Vorhauer.

“They will keep us organized and ensure we are working as one and push everyone to be their best.”

Goalkeeper: Sophomore Leona Chambers was able to get quality minutes last year, which prepared her for this season.

“She has continued to work in the off-season to gain more knowledge on the position and fine tune her technique. We are eager to see how our other goalies develop throughout the year as well.”

Underclassmen to Watch: Maggie Padzerak, Sophia Richards, Ava Elliot, Andelyn Walton.

RAVENNA

Head Coach: Taryn Vespoint, 2nd year, 6-10-1 career record.

Coaching Staff: Kelly Sferra, Matt Wunderle.

2023 Record: 6-10-1.

Returning Letterwinners (11): Natalie Clark, sr.; NaCol Foreman, sr.; Aundrea Seman, sr.; Ava Wojtkowski, sr.; Myla Bregand, jr.; Kayden Welz, jr.; Nevaeh Marstiller, soph.; Ella Ribelin, soph.; Luciana Rios, sph.; Amiah Templeton, soph.; Adelina Wunderle, soph.

Letterwinners Lost (3): Camille Thomas, Brynn Scott, Samantha Weber.

Forwards: Senior NaCol Foreman brings speed and the ability to create chaos for the opposing defense.

Junior Kayden Welz adds grace at the top with her movement off the ball.

Midfield: “We have a combination of freshmen and upperclassmen, who all bring depth for us this season,” Vespoint said.

Senior Natalie Clark controls the action through the middle, while senior Ava Wojtowski adds strong shots from the outside.

Sophomore Ella Ribelin has awareness and is a playmaker, with fellow sophomore Luciana Rios making a return to the field after an injury last season.

Defense: Senior Aundrea Seman leads the back line, with Myla Bregant adding toughness and fearlessness.

Sophomores Adelina Wunderle and Nevaeh Marstiller are versatile contributors, while sophomore Amiah Templeton and freshman Lily Armstrong appear ready to step up for varsity minutes.

Underclassmen to Watch: Matty Brode, soph.

ROOTSTOWN

Head Coach: Jason Opritza, 4th year, 36-15-5 career record.

Coaching Staff: Marc Streem, Alina Mille.

2023 Record: 9-6-4 overall.

Returning Letterwinners (8): Hannah Hindel, sr.; Sasha Nichols, sr.; Sophia Opritza, sr.; Cami Rhodes, sr.; Autumn Riemenschneider, sr.; Cloe Bengston, jr.; Riley Monegan, jr.; Haley Dick, soph.

Letterwinners Lost (8): Mallory Butcher, Alli Fisher, Gracie Frick, Taylor Monegan, Natalie Opritza, Melanie Plecko, Porter Smith, Abby White.

Forwards: Seniors Sophia Opritza and Cami Rhodes bring speed and skill, while sophomore Amelia Brooks will also provide valuable production.

Midfield: Seniors Hannah Hindel, Dakota Clifford and Autumn Riemenschneider bring experience, while Tempie Barthol, Emma Nelson, Allison Kline, Riley Drennen and Liz Hamilton all add depth.

Defense: Cloe Bengston highlights the defense after a First Team All-PTC season a year ago. She will be helped by anchor Riley Monegan and speedster Sasha Nichols.

Elliott Smallfield joins the program and will be a solid contributor.

Goalkeeper: Haley Dick will be the team’s starter, but has the ability to play anywhere.

Underclassmen to Watch: Addison Pownall, fresh.; Liliana Bevelacqua, fresh.; Amelia Brooks, soph.

SOUTHEAST

Head Coach: Dean Dunlavy, 30th year, 234-192-42.

2023 Record: 8-7-3 overall.

Forwards: The Pirates return Sarah Craver and Destiny Longgood. The duo combined to score 14 goals last year.

Freshman Grace Wheeler joins the rotation this year.

Midfield: Claire Dillner and Sacha Ciavarella, who also combined to score 14 goals last year, highlight the midfield.

“We should have another year with a balanced attack,” Dunlavy said.

Defense: Starters Addison Goldstein, Payten Vrudney, Maddie Lutes and Bailey Morris return as starters to anchor the back line.

Goalkeeper: The starter will be Bailey Long.

Underclassmen to Watch: Ari Fiorentino, Cadence Hoover, Olivia Dix, Francesca Dalesandro, Hannah McPeak, Leah Mesaros.

STREETSBORO

Head Coach: Ryan Willard, 17th year, 134-130-21 career record.

Coaching Staff: Alyssa Hendrix, Taylor Donovan, Krista Prasek.

2023 Record: 15-3-3 overall, Metro Athletic Conference champions.

Returning Letterwinners (14): Madelyn Genovese, sr.; Allison Hehmeyer, sr.; Lydia Schofield, sr.; Grace Thomson, sr.; Zoie Dunn, jr.; Addison Mrakovich, jr.; Tea Nagle, jr.; Katie Robinson, jr.; Jenna Fall, soph.; Olivia Knepper, soph.; Sara Koyan, soph.; Carman Marcini, soph.; Morgan Vales, soph.; Olivia Willard, soph.

Letterwinners Lost (4): Claire Collins, Sydney Carman, Lainey Klein, Kailyn Rue.

Forwards: The Rockets return their top two leading scorers in Lydia Schofield and Sara Koyan.

Schofield was named First Team All-MAC and scored 15 goals, while Koyan scored nine goals a year ago.

Depth is provided by seniors Makayla Claflin and Allison Hehmeyer, along with sophomore Olivia Knepper.

Midfield: Senior Madelyn Genovese leads the group after a 2023 season that included seven goals, five assists and being named Second Team All-Ohio.

Junior Addison Mrakovich was Second Team All-MAC last year and was named as the team’s MVP. She scored seven goals and had six assists.

Junior Tea Nagle was Honorable Mention All-MAC and returns to play midfield this season after playing defense last year.

Olivia Willard, who played mostly forward last year and scored eight goals with seven assists, will move to the midfield this year.

Additional contributions will be given by junior Katie Robinson, as well as sophomores Kailee Roberts, Morgan Vales and Jenna Fall.

Defense: The team returns four letter winners, but the back line will be young and inexperienced.

Junior Zoie Dunn is the group leader, along with senior Grace Thomson, sophomore Carman Marcini as starters.

Junior Meredith Mattmuller, sophomores Emma McDonough, Lyra Sadowski and Adrian Russo will all be part of the rotation.

Goalkeeper: Willard said it is his team’s biggest unknown at this point in the preseason.

“We have a couple returning players training as keepers, including Claflin and McDonough, and we also have a sophomore, Morgan Novak, coming over from volleyball working as a keeper.”

Underclassmen to Watch: Carman Marcini, soph.; Sara Koyan, soph.; Olivia Willard, soph.

WATERLOO

Head Coach: Bill Jackson, 3rd year, 28-8-2 career record.

Coaching Staff: Shannon More, Mackenzie Webb.

2023 Record: 11-7-1 overall.

Returning Letterwinners (9): Courtney Eisenbraun, sr.; Carletta Henry, sr.; Sophia Wood, sr.; Chloe Guth, jr.; Makayla Yarian, jr.; Bayley English, jr.; Julia Boyle, soph.; Skyler Baldwin, soph.; Taylor Kunka, soph.

Letterwinners Lost (11): Mya Bennett, Olivia Boyle, Reece Hoover, Aracely Camacho, Grace Yarian, Kaylee Webb, Lilly Foster, Avery Lovejoy, Julienne Andre, Sydney Jackson, Kaira English.

Forwards: Chloe Guth is the only returning starter and will be the leader of an inexperienced group.

“The group has been working hard to learn to play and grow together,” Jackson said.

Midfield: The Vikings’ most experienced players are found here, with Carletta Henry and Bayley English spotlighting the group.

Julia Boyle and Taylor Kunka will bring stability and quality.

“The team will lean heavily on this group’s leadership this season.”

Defense: The team’s lone returning starter is Courtney Eisenbraun.

Skyler Baldwin and Makayla Yarian will step into leading roles along the back line.

Goalkeeper: Sophia Wood returns for her second full season at the position.

“She is coming off a solid (2023) season. She is working hard to be one of the best keepers in the county.”

Underclassmen to Watch: Molly Wiles, Koralee Jenior, Alexis Henry, Helena Beamer.