By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

High school girls soccer preview capsules for the 2023 season.

AURORA

Head Coach: Domenica McClintock, 8th year, 57-52-10 career record.

Coaching Staff: Adam Gharky, Ken Labadie, Paul Frankmann.

2022 Record: 12-5-1.

Returning Letterwinners (10): Ally Kaufman, sr.; Sophie Petrash, jr.; Charlotte Hart, jr.; Skylar Rule, jr.; Kylie Griffis, soph.; Amelia Kilway, soph.; Juliana Huth, soph.; Abby Rogonjik, soph.; Elakia Vadivelan, soph.; Abby Dalessandro, soph.

Letterwinners Lost (6): Bailey McGee, Brigid Boyle, Kasey Walter, Grace Barbour, Lizzy Pike, Cailyn Ries.

General Outlook: “We are a very young team, looking forward to continuing to grow and develop as a program,” McClintock said. “We will be trying several different formations this season to determine where our players fit the best and where we can capitalize as a unit. We have added several new players to the roster, while losing key contributors. We are still fine-tuning what we will look like this season in the attack and while defending.”

Forwards: The Greenmen are still searching for details at this position, but have the “ability to plug and play with several players in this role,” according to McClintock.

Midfield: “We are very heavy in this position. We have a lot of contributors that will make an impact in whatever formation we choose to execute.”

Returning players include Kylie Griffis, Amelia Kilway, Juliana Huth, Abby Rogonjik and Abby Dalessnadro.

Additionally, Aurora adds Cali Edgar, Bella Sferry, Ellen Tachdijan, Riley Verespej and Olivia Leon to the rotation.

“They bring something different to the group that will help elevate our game.”

Defense: There is still some work here, but Aurora welcomes back Ally Kaufman, Skylar Rule, Charlotte Hart and Sophie Petrash.

Some talent that will get some time includes Dani Amos, Caitlin Miller, Mallory Curtis and Edgar.

Goalkeepers: McClintock has three players she expects to contribute, including Hannah Hopwood, Madeline Dalessandro and Kelly Gerlock.

CRESTWOOD

Head Coach: Eric Sway, 1st year, 0-0 career record.

Coaching Staff: Ray Ferrari, Jeff Julian.

2022 Record: 7-8-2, 6-0 Chagrin Valley Conference Valley Division champions.

Returning Letterwinners (11): Allie Bartell, sr.; Kami Ferrari, sr.; Aspen Baynes, sr.; Ava Julian, jr.; Delaney McMahon, jr.; Taylor Larch, jr.; Alyssa Hallis, jr.; Erin Hallis, jr.; Addi Harner, jr.; Lilly Stoots, jr.; Dakota Rennecker, jr.

Letterwinners Lost (3): Reagan Mory, Bella Leister, Destiny Knipper.

General Outlook: With a healthy dose of returning letterwinners, the Red Devils have set some ambitious goals for the season, including the program’s first overall winning season since 2018 and to repeat as the CVC Valley champions.

Expect to see the Devils play a possession-type style of play, but player skill-sets will allow the team to play in multiple styles.

Forwards: Allie Bartell and Ava Julian pair nicely together up top, with Bartell’s footskills and finesse alongside Julian’s physicality and strong shot.

Midfield: Central miss Erin Hallis and Lilly Stoots will control the ball.

“Erin is instrumental in creating scoring chances, while also having a shot from anywhere in the final third,” Sway said. “Lilly is a perfect complement in the middle of the field, because she can provide help on the defensive side of the midfield and also push up to add offense.”

Outside kids will include Kami Ferrari and Taylor Larch.

“Both are dangerous with speed and skills. Kami has great passing skills and a placed shot. Taylor has speed and physicality. She can change a game in an instant.”

Defense: The Devils return three-fourths of the team’s starting lineup from a year ago in center back Alyssa Hallis, along with outside backs Delaney McMahon and Dakota Rennecker.

Aspen Baynes, Addi Harner and freshman Chloe Wallace will all get time on defense, as well.

“Alyssa is fast, physical and strong and will be a force to beat. Delaney is as fast as they come, she can run down an opponent from behind and can get up and down the field in an instant providing more offensive power. Dakota is a physical, strong presence on the opposite side, making her hard to get around on the outside and she is not afraid to mix it up at anytime.”

Goalkeepers: Minutes are available to be earned in goal. Stoots has some experience and possesses the athleticism, while freshman Keli Lee is also a strong candidate.

FIELD

Head Coach: Jason Schindler, 3rd year.

Coaching Staff: Nick Miletti.

2022 Record: 8-9-3.

Returning Letterwinners (18): Taryn Allen, jr.; Adriana Bright, sr.; Carlee Fafrak, jr.; Brianna Gabele, jr.; Ally Harlin, jr; Abby Harlin, jr.; Mickey Herendeen, sr.; Hailey Hershberger, soph.; Olivia Kessler, sr.; Zoey Matijakovic, jr.; Mckayla Miller, jr.; Emma Norman, sr.; Makayla Norman, soph.; Savannah Phillips, jr.; Olivia Prof, jr.; Savannah Rahe, sr.; Delilah Rahe, jr.; Lena Wymer, jr.

Letterwinners Lost (3): Cassie Wilde, Grace Kessler, Claire Phillip.

General Outlook: “We have a good core group back and our junior class could surprise a lot of people if they stay healthy and execute on our brand of soccer,” Schindler said.

Forwards: The trio of Adriana Bright, Savannah Phillips and Mya Kramer will all be on the attack up top for the Falcons.

Midfield: A combination of upperclassmen and youth fills the midfield spots for Field, including Emma Norman, Taryn Allen, Delilah Rahe, Mckayla Miller, Ally Harlin, Haley Hershberger, along with freshmen Kayla Phillips, Reese Williams and Winter Matijakovic.

Defense: Seniors Savannah Rahe, Olivia Kessler and Mickey Herendeen highlight the group, while Abby Harlin, Olivia Prof, Brianna Gabele, Zoey Matijakovic and Lena Wymer all will also play important roles.

Goalkeepers: Carlee Fafrak and Makayla Norman are both expected to split time throughout the season.

GARFIELD

Head Coach: Aaron Gilbert, 7th year, 47-53-5 record.

Coaching Staff: Abby Carey.

2022 Record: 6-11.

Returning Letterwinners (11): Lille Shackelford, sr.; Lizzie Moore, sr.; Ella Badovick, sr.; Rylie Turner, sr.; Kali Tasker, sr.; Hallie Cebulla, jr.; Aby Seiler, jr.; Camille Arana, soph.; Elise Edwards, soph.; Tori White, soph.; Taylor Wade, soph.

Letterwinners Lost (10): Laura McCoy, Sophia Scott, Kyndall Hahn, Riley Swigonski, Maggie Fogel, Sierra Nerby, Marissa Bazil, Mickey Swigonski, Allie Runewicz, Nora Trent.

General Outlook: “We are a very young team that will continue to grow throughout the season,” Gilbert said. “Many players are playing new positions this year and working on a new formation, so it will be a growing experience throughout the season. Hopefully, we can be competitive early in the season and progress to a more competitive level later in the year.”

Forwards: Gilbert expects several players to rotate up top, including several sophomores and freshmen.

Midfield: This year’s team features more midfielders, which should “hopefully add opportunities for them to set up the forwards and put themselves in scoring positions, but will be asked to help out defensively, too,” according to Gilbert.

But a mixture of new position placements will require the group to develop chemistry and confidence in each other.

Defense: There are many players returning, but they will find themselves in new positions.

“We will have to develop chemistry and confidence in each other.”

Goalkeepers: Gilbert is eyeing the selection of a freshman starter.

KENT ROOSEVELT

Head Coach: Samantha Spicer, 2nd year, 8-9-1 record.

Coaching Staff: JonMichael Weigel, Tanjenae Harris.

2022 Record: 8-9-1.

Returning Letterwinners (12): Kaleigh McMullen, sr.; Abby Carbone, sr.; Francesca Ferrara, sr.; Ella Hassler, sr.; Sara Yanelli, sr.; Alea Haines, sr.; Madeline Boron, sr.; Lillian Skold, jr.; Eleanor Morris, jr.; Katarina Vorhauer, jr.; Hannah Hido, soph.; Gianna Yanelli, soph.

Letterwinners Lost (5): Corinn Wolfgang, Lea Parham, Ava Baucco, Mary Kline, Brooke Saxton.

General Outlook: “We will continue to build upon the foundation that we laid last year and improve our possession style of play,” Spicer said. “We have ramped up our schedule to continue to challenge the team during the regular season and show surrounding schools that we are working to be a competitive program year after year. We look forward to having all our hard work from the off-season start to come together on the field.”

Forwards: Some young players return, who were able to get a lot of experience in 2022, but Spicer is also looking for other players to step up and show what they can do up top.

Midfield: This unit will be “the glue that will keep our team together,” according to Spicer.

“We return the most players and experience to this position. They will be the ones controlling the pace of the game — when to slow the game down and when we need to take a chance and go forward. They will be instrumental in maintaining our possession style of play and getting others involved by not only working while on the ball, but off the ball as well.”

Defense: “Stable, consistent leaders” help fill out the back line.

“They will keep us organized, but also challenge other teams.”

Off-season hard work has allowed the group to build trust amongst themselves.

Goalkeepers: “We have been training some great younger players that have really stepped up and taken to the role.”

RAVENNA

Head Coach: Taryn Vespoint, 1st year.

Coaching Staff: Kelly Sferra.

2022 Record: 0-14.

Returning Letterwinners (8): Camille Thomas, sr.; Brynn Scott, sr.; NaCol Foreman, jr.; Natalie Clark, jr.; Sam Weber, sr.; Myla Bregant, soph.; Aundrea Seman, jr.; Lilly Franklin, soph.; 

Letterwinners Lost (5): Avonlea Jefferson, Reese Johnston, Ashlyn Williams, Brooklynne Skidmore, Bri Cathan.

General Outlook: “We are a very young team, but we have a great group of girls both on and off the field,” said Vespoint, who played at the University of Mount Union. “Some of our girls only have a few years of playing under their belts, other girls have been playing their entire life. What I like most about this team is there is a lot of diversity and they all have something to learn from each other, as well as help grow one another.”

Kelly (Karaffa) Sferra joins the coaching staff with Vespoint.

“Coach Kelly and I are trying to bring back the style of play we had when we played on that field 15-plus years ago. It is all about knowing your teammates, respect, commitment and adaptability. The girls have not had a consistent coach since I have been there (Class of 2008) and this is where Kelly and I plan to change that.”

Forwards: Three upperclassmen fill out the position, with Camille Thomas, Brynn Scott and NaCol Foreman.

“Camille knows the game, shows dedication and commitment, which is why her teammates and coaches voted her as a captain. She is kind-hearted and a great role model.

“The way Brynn can dribble a ball through people is amazing. She works hard and is always open to constructive criticism. She has a beautiful shot from the outside and has been a great leader to the younger girls. She was also voted team captain.

“NaCol has only played soccer for the last few years, but you wouldn’t know that from watching her play. She shows hustle and is willing and eager to learn. I believe playing basketball and running track has significantly helped her succeed in the sport.”

Midfield: The midfield will be handled by Natalie Clark, along with freshmen Ella Ribelin and Naveah Marstiller.

“Natalie is so much fun to watch and coach. She maintains her composure on the field, all while dribbling through multiple players and still getting a shot off Soccer has been a part of her life since she was a little kid and it shows.

“Ella has been a great addition to the team. She shows up every day and gives it her all. She works hard and is the first to step into a new drill.

“Navaeh has been a great example of adaptability. She has been thrown into every position, with the exception of goal, and has shined. She is coachable and applies what she has been taught immediately on the field.”

Defense: Sam Weber, Aundrea Seman and Myla Bregant are joined by freshman Adelina Wunderle.

Weber will play sweeper and is like having another coach on the field, according to Vespoint.

“Sam’s dedication and commitment to her team is a reason why she was voted captain. She steps in to help, not only the freshmen, bu tall her teammates during games and practices.

“Myla is small, but mighty. She is also new to soccer, but she is not afraid to step on that field and give it her all.

“Adelina was hesitant about playing defense, as she has always been a midfielder, but she has great composure, excellent skill and knows the entire game, which is the reason she has excelled so far.

“Aundrea is a solid part of our defense. She plays with passion and continues to guide the girls on and off the field.”

Goalkeepers: Sophomore Lilly Franklin and freshman Amiah Tempelton are both working for time at the position.

ROOTSTOWN

Head Coach: Jason Opritza, 3rd year, 27-9-1.

Coaching Staff: Marc Streem, Alina Mille.

2022 Record: 15-4; Portage Trail Conference champions.

Returning Letterwinners (12): Mallory Butcher, sr.; Alli Fisher, sr.; Alaina Huebner, sr.; Taylor Monegan, sr.; Natalie Opritza, sr.; Melanie Plecko, sr.; Porter Smith, sr.; Abby White, sr.; Sophia Opritza, jr.; Cami Rhodes, jr.; Autumn Riemenschneider, jr.; Riley Monegan, soph.

Letterwinners Lost (6): Andi Burrell, Carlee Clifford, Riley Curall, Rylee Durbak, Abby Goforth, Kelsie Hamrick.

General Outlook: The Rovers lost nine starters from a team that won back-to-back PTC titles.

However, the team does have multiple players returning that have experience within their possession-influenced style of play.

“We have always been a next one up type of team, where many players could slot into multiple positions when needed,” Opritza said. “We still have a lot of speed, which should give opponents a fitness test.”

Forwards: Melanie Plecko and Sophia Opritza both bring speed up top, as well as ball control.

Midfield: The Rovers are anchored on the outside by returning starters Alli Fisher and Porter Smith.

“Both bring great field awareness and determination.”

Junior Hannah Hindel “has great vision and works well to distribute the ball,” according to Opritza.

Riley Monegan, Autumn Riemenschneider and Alaina Huebner will all also see time.

“Alaina has a defensive mentality that allows her to be in the right place at the right time to win back balls and press them forward.”

Defense: Returning starters include Taylor Monegan and Abby White, while seniors Gracie Frick and Mallory Butcher, along with sophomore Cloe Bengston will be in the rotation.

Goalkeepers: Natalie Opritiza will be the starter, using her instincts as a midfielder to help her shot-stopping ability.

SOUTHEAST

Head Coach: Dean Dunlavy, 26th year, 226-185-39.

Forwards: The Pirates have speed with Sarah Craver, Madeline Luttes, Elliott Smallfield and Destiny Longgood, who are all “working to improve their shot,” according to Dunlavy.

Midfield: The trio of Claire Dillner, Lexi Morris and Sacha Ciavarella will spotlight the group.

“They can dribble the ball in traffic and they are working on long-distance shots.”

Also expected to get time at midfield are Lucy Reynolds, Cadence Hoover, Olivia Dix, Bailey Long and Ari Fiorentino.

Defense: The Pirates will play an aggressive style of defense led by Mya Sutcliffe, Bailey Morris, Addison Goldstein, Payten Vrudney, Emmerson Smallfield and Tonja Bradley.

Goalkeepers: Both Emmerson Smallfield and Vrudney will see time in goal.

STREETSBORO

Head Coach: Ryan Willard, 16th year, 119-127-22.

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

2022 Record: 11-9.

Returning Letterwinners (15): Lainey Klein, sr.; Claire Collins, sr.; Sydney Carmen, sr.; Kailyn Rue, sr.; Madelyn Genovese, jr.; Lydia Schofield, jr.; Makayla Claflin, jr.; Allison Hehmeyer, jr.; Grace Thomson, jr.; Zoie Dunn, soph.; Addison Mrakovich, soph.; Meredith Mattmuller, soph.; Tea Nagle, soph.; Katie Robinson, soph.; Jameelah Oshodi, soph.

Letterwinners Lost (4): Alyssa Schofield, Heidi Timmons, Kelsey Rich, Jordyn Lytle.

General Outlook: “Because of some key injuries last year to seniors, we are essentially returning nine starters,” Willard said. “Even though we will have a fairly experienced starting group, we will be fairly young. What I do like is that we should have experience and leadership at each level to help younger players.

“I also think that we will be deeper this year, which will allow us to deal with any injuries much easier than last year. We knew we wouldn’t score a ton of goals last year, so we played a much more defensive style.”

Forwards: Lydia Schofield played a considerable amount of time at midfield last year, but will likely see the majority of her minutes at forward this year. She scored eight goals and had five assists to earn All-Metro Athletic Conference Second Team honors.

“Lydia is a smart player, who can finish or distribute.”

Addison Mrakovich had five goals and seven assists last year as a freshman and was Honorable Mention All-MAC.

“Addison just attacks the ball. I love her aggressiveness and with a year of experience, she could make a big jump.”

Allison Hehmeyer increased her role throughout last season, and Willard said he expects her to continue to grow this season.

Kailyn Rue is a track athlete turned soccer player.

“Watch out when she gets into space, because she will not be caught.”

Makayla Claflin will fill in at multiple positions this year, including forward.

“We move May all around, but that willingness to play any role is so valuable to any coach.”

Midfield: Madelyn Genovese was the team’s leading scorer last year with 12 goals and nine assists. She was First Team All-MAC.

“She has the ability to take over a game and will be one of the better players in the area again.”

Sydney Carmen, who was Second Team All-MAC last year, is described as a “tireless worker,” according to Willard.

“Paired with Madelyn will create one of the stinger midfield duos in the league.”

Tea Nagle will also see time at midfield after her role continued to grow in 2022.

“This year, she is an undisputed starter.”

Defense: Claire Collins entered high school four years ago as a forward, but has made the transition to defense and has become one of the best in the league, earning First Team All-MAC in 2022.

“Her growth has been amazing, and she has really embraced being a defender.”

Zoie Dunn was thrust into playing sweeper as a freshman last year.

“She is a smart player, whose technique is excellent. Her attacking play from the back has continued to improve.”

Katie Robinson played a lot of key minutes as a freshman last year and is a player that makes smart reads defensively.

Meredith Mattmuller was mostly a forward last year, but as the year progressed, Willard began to move her around and she continued to improve defensively.

“We will use her flexibility to continue to move her around.”

Goalkeepers: Lainey Klein has earned the role of full-time starter this year.

“She has six shutouts in her career already and will certainly add to that this year. She’s probably the best keeper with her feet that we’ve had at Streetsboro in five years, which will give us an extra element to our team play.”

WATERLOO

Head Coach: Bill Jackson, 2nd year, 17-1-1.

Coaching Staff: Shannon More, Mckenzie Webb.

2022 Record: 17-1, Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference Scarlet Division champions.

Returning Letterwinners (10): Sydney Jackson, sr.; Lilly Foster, sr.; Olivia Boyle, sr.; Grace Yarian, sr.; Aracely Camacho, sr.; Mya Bennett, jr.; Courtney Eisenbraun, jr.; Carletta Henry, jr.; Bayley English, soph.; Chloe Guth, soph.

Letterwinners Lost (6): Kaira English (injury), Rose Couts, Kayla Turscak, Abby Mazur, Lillie Snyder, Ronnie England.

General Outlook: The Vikings will reshape its offense after losing returning senior and Portage County goal-scoring record-holder Kaira English to a knee injury.

English had scored 157 goals through her first three years.

“The team will look to fill in some gaps from graduation and injury losses, while returning a solid group,” Jackson said. “We will continue to look to attack with numbers and bring a fast-paced style of play. The goal is to improve daily and build up to the tournament run.

“Our league finish will depend on how quickly we adapt to the new personnel.”

Forwards: Olivia Boyle, Mya Bennett and Kaylee Webb will be the players up top for the Vikings, along with Chloe Guth, Julia Boyle and Aracely Camacho.

“Olivia can shoot it from distance and open up the field. She is an accomplished scorer and her instincts and speed are lethal.

“Mya has range and power that set her apart from most goal-scorers. She has had a very impressive summer.

“Chloe brings speed and athleticism, Aracely is a strong attacker that uses body position to create angles and Julia is a promising freshman, who has succeeded at the club level.”

Midfield: Sydney Jackson, who is like another coach on the field, according to coach Jackson, is one of the strongest passes in the area.

“Sydney has worked hard this off-season on her carry and speed. Her cover kicks make our set pieces very dangerous.”

Bayley English has excellent field vision and decision-making skills.

“She is an underrated passer, who is very clever with her through balls. She has one of the best touches in the area and has worked hard on her shot this summer.”

Carletta Henry brings a consistent calm to the position.

“She balances our midfield. Her tendency to make a big goal is really what sets her apart.”

Makayla Yardan is a first-year player, but brings energy, hustle and desire to the team.

“She has exceeded our expectations so far and is a swift learner. She has an exciting future.”

Defense: Lilly Foster, a team captain, highlights the back line.

“She plays angles to perfection and has excellent speed.”

Avery Lovejoy is another first-year player, with a skill-set that will allow her to find success defensively.

“Her speed and toughness will be essential, as she finds her footing in the early parts of the season.”

Courtney Eisenbraun will transition from wing to full-time defender this season.

“She is a brilliant player, who brings excellent ball skills to the defense and provides more speed.”

Reece Hoover, another newcomer with speed, will also receive time, as well as freshman Skylar Baldwin, who brings “toughness and speed.”

Taylor Kunka is another promising freshman.

“She has a never-give-up attitude, which is very impressive and an excellent tool for learning.”

Goalkeepers: Grace Yarian is already the school record-holder for career saves.

“She is a strong goalkeeper, who makes intelligent decisions and has made big saves for us. Her experience is vital to the season she is capable of having.”

Sophia Wood is the team’s backup.

“She cranked up her work this off-season and has turned the corner. This will be her first full season at the position, and we are excited to see how she develops.”