By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

Preview capsules for the 2022 high school girls season season.

AURORA GREENMEN

Head Coach: Domenica McClintock, 11th year; 45-47-9 career record.

Coaching Staff: Adam Gharky, assistant; Paul Frankmann, assistant; Kristen Lembo, assistant.

2021 Recap: 7-11 overall record; 4th in Suburban League.

Returning Letterwinners (9): Bailey McGee, Brigid Boyle, Kasey Walter, Grace Barbour, Lizzy Pike, Cailyn Ries, Charlotte Hart, Sophie Petrash, Skylar Rule.

Letterwinners Lost (5): Madison Burick, Samantha Stern, Alyssa Marotta, Tori Miller, Madison Sweatt.

General Outlook: “We are a young team this year, with around 17 incoming freshmen,” head coach Domenica McClintock said. “We have several returning players with key experience and several returning players who will add value to the roster.”

McClintock admitted, positively, that their seems to be a different vibe with this year’s roster.

Something Interesting: “We integrated aquatic sessions into our off-season workout. I think it was different enough to be refreshing and re-energize players during summer workouts.”

Forwards: Grace Barbour leads the group up top after scoring eight goals last season, which was the second-most on the team.

Midfield: Bailey McGee will be the team leader here.

“Her technical and tactical abilities on and off the ball will influence our offensive attack.”

Defense: Sophie Petrash returns to secure the back line.

Goalkeeper: Lizzy Pike returns to start for her senior season.

“With several shutouts last season, we look forward to her return and guidance from the net.”

FIELD FALCONS

Head Coach: Jason Schindler, 2nd year.

Coaching Staff: Nick Miletti, assistant.

2021 Recap: 14-3-1 overall record; Metro Athletic Conference Tournament champions.

Returning Letterwinners (8): Taryn Allen, Ariana Bright, Abby Harlin, Ally Harlin, Emma Norman, Delilah Rahe, Savannah Rahe, Cassie Wilde.

Letterwinners Lost (11): Rachel Ruggles, Delanie Simpkins, Hanna Siudak, Tessa Allison, Heather Siudak, Kelly Troup, Courtney Campbell, Ella Leonard, Lauren Lowden, Mallory Martin, Elaina Sheeler.

General Outlook: Schindler, in his second year leading the Falcons, anticipates that his team could challenge for the Metro Athletic Conference championship. However, a steep level of competition awaits with Norton, Streetsboro and Woodridge.

“It should be fun to see how everything unfolds,” he said.

Forwards: Cassie Wilde is the Metro Athletic Conference’s reigning Player of the Year and she set the school’s single-season scoring record a year ago with 35 goals.

Joining her up top will be McKayla Miller.

Midfield: A large group of talented players will highlight the Falcons’ midfield led by sophomore Taryn Allen, who earned one of the team’s captain positions last year as a freshman.

Joining her in the midfield will be senior Claire Philip, junior Emma Norman, junior Adriana Bright, sophomore Delilah Race, sophomore Olivia Prof, sophomore Lena Wymer, freshman Hailey Hershberger and freshman Makayla Norman.

Defense: Savannah Rahe is the leader amongst the back line with solid footskills, creativity and the ability to build from the back by seeing the field well.

Mickey Herendeen, Olivia Kessler, Abby Harlin, Ally Darlin, Brianna Babele, Zoey Matijakovic and Savannah Phillips will all see time as defenders as well.

Goalkeepers: Field’s goalies this season will be Grace Kessler and Carlee Fafrak.

GARFIELD G-MEN

Head Coach: Aaron Gilbert, 6th year, 41-42-5 career record.

Coaching Staff: Kelliann Collins, assistant.

2021 Recap: 5-11 overall record; 4-8 Mahoning Valley Athletic Conerence.

Returning Letterwinners (6): Ella Badovick, jr.; Hallie Cebulla, soph.; Maggie Fogel, sr.; Kyndall Hahn, sr.; Lizzie Moore, jr.; Allie Runewicz, sr.

Letterwinners Lost (8): Ella Brann, Alison McHenry, Kierstin Williams, Zoe Turner, Caitlin Lutz, Annabelle Moore, Emma Thornton, Ketley Fresch.

Generel Outlook: “We should be more competitive this season in a very tough league,” head coach Aaron Gilbert said.

Garfield returns several key position players, while also adding a mix of newcomers that should have an instant impact.

Gilbert is optimistic with the team’s roster size, which includes 28 players and allows the program to schedule a few junior varsity games for the first time “in many years,” according to Gilbert.

Forwards: Allie Runewicz and Aby Seiler return to hold down the starting positions, but newcomers Laura McCoy and Camille Arana have emerged as players that will push for quality minutes this fall.

Midfield: “We return several midfielders that have experience, which should help facilitate fast gameplay.”

Leading that are Kyndall Hahn, Hallie Cebulla and Lizzie Moore.

Newcomers Rylie Turner and Taylor Waide are expected to provide depth at midfield.

Defense: “This should be a strength for our team.”

A vast experience of returning players is the reason, with Nora Trent and Riley Swigonski returning as multiple-year starters.

Gilbert expects the pair, along with Maggie Fogel, Ella Badovick and Lille Shackelford, to provide leadership across the back line.

Sierra Nerby, Elise Edwards and Kali Tasker, all new faces to the program, will help provide depth.

Goalkeeper: Back for her third season is Sophia Scott.

“Each year she has gained more experience and proved she is one of the top keepers in the area.”

KENT ROOSEVELT

Head Coach: Samantha Spicer, 1st year.

Coaching Staff: JonMichael Weigel, assistant; Tanjanae Harris, assistant.

2021 Recap: 5-11-1 overall record; 1-5-1 Suburban League.

Returning Letterwinners (11): Lea Parham, sr.; Corinn Wolfgang, sr.; Brooke Saxton, sr.; Mary Kline, sr.; Ava Baucco, sr.; Ella Hassler, jr.; Abby Carbone, jr.; Sara Yanelli, jr.; Kaleigh McMullen, jr.; Eleanor Morris, soph.; Lillian  Skold, soph.

Letterwinners Lost (9): Gianna Ferrara, Rachel Booher, Claire Booher, Mallory Moldvay, Julia Oldham, Mya Budzar, Tara Sefcheik, Ava Mathys, Lucy Blatnik.

General Outlook: First-year head coach Samantha Spicer is bringing a new look to the Rough Riders, with a new formation and a new style of play.

“We hope to improve each game and keep honing in on our strengths and develop other areas of the game as well,” she said. “We lost a large senior class, so we will have a good mixture of experienced veteran players and younger players that are eager to contribute to the program.”

In getting acclimated with her group, Spicer has noticed the her group of players are “hungry to succeed.”

“They have adapted incredibly well to all the changes and use it as motivation on the field to showcase all th etime, effort and learning they have done thus far with the new coaching staff.”

Forwards: Lea Parham and Eleanor Morris are expected to be the Riders’ starters up top.

Midfield: The group of Ava Baucco, Abby Carbone, Sara Yanelli, Ella Hassler and Lillian Skold lead this position.

Defense: Top defenders for Kent Roosevelt are Brooke Saxton, Mary Kline and Kaleigh McMullen.

Goalkeepers: Corinn Wolfgang returns as the Riders’ starter.

RAVENNA RAVENS

Head Coach: Noah Cunningham, 3rd year; 7-24-3 career record.

Coaching Staff: Valerie Davis, assistant; Amanda Davis, assistant.

2021 Recap: 5-12-2 overall record; 2-4-1 Metro Athletic Conference; 5th place MAC.

Returning Letterwinners (11): Reese Jonston, sr.; Ashlyn Williams, sr.; Brooklynne Skidmore, sr.; Avonlea Jefferson, sr.; Bri Cathan, sr.; Camille Thomas, jr.; Sam Weber, jr.; Natalie Clark, soph.; Natalee Denyer, soph.; Audrea Semen, soph.; Ava Wojtkowski, soph.

Letterwinners Lost (6): Amanda Davis, Kayla Bisson, Melody Hardy, Faith Fitzgerald, Aireal Trenter, Hannah Fletcher.

General Outlook: “We are a young team that is trying to break out of the underdog title,” head coach Noah Cunningham said. “We have a good, balanced schedule, and we are excited to show what we can do.”

Cunningham is hopeful that his team’s core of returning, young players will help build chemistry on the field

“We think this will help us take our team to the next level.”

Forwards: Natalie Clark returns as the team’s leading goal-scorer after netting 10 goals last year with two assists.

Midfield: Natalee Denyer is the leader here after a 2021 season that saw her score five goals and deliver six assists.

ROOTSTOWN ROVERS

Head Coach: Jason Opritza, 2nd year, 12-5-1 career record.

Coaching Staff: Shana Varner, assistant; Alina Mille, assistant.

2021 Recap: 12-5-1 overall record; 7-0 Portage Trail Conference; PTC champions.

General Outlook: After everything felt new last season, with Opritza taking over the program and introducing a new formation and style of play, the 2022 campaign starts with more of a base.

“Having lost only one player and gaining eight, the outlook is more positive. We should be able to grow on those successes.”

Overall, Opritza said he feels that his group is eager to push themselves harder.

Forwards: The trio of Melanie Plecko, Sophia Opritza and Grace Welch will highlight the Rovers’ strikers that will want to attack with pace.

“Melanie brings her speed and footskills, Sophia has footskills, speed and field awareness, while Grace has speed.”

Midfield: Rylee Durback returns to lead the group and is the PTC’s reigning Player of the Year.

Joining her will be Carlee Clifford, Porter Smith, Kylie McCollch, Riley Curall and Kelsie Hamrick.

Defense: Opritza expects Abby White and Payton Curall, both seniors, to lock down the outside of the defense, while And Burrell and Peighton King will add strength as well.

Goalkeepers: Abby Goforth and Natalie Opritza will both see time as goalkeepers this season for Rootstown.

SOUTHEAST PIRATES

Head Coach: Dean Dunlavy, 25th year.

Coaching Staff: Hannah Riffle, assistant.

2021 Recap: 8-9 overall record; 6-2 Portage Trail Conference; 2nd place PTC.

Returning Letterwinners (20): Kendra Shute, Sophia Fischer, Emma Chaney, Erin Chaney, Cami McPeak, Anna Keto, Payton Kittle, Katie Long, Lucy Reynolds, Emmi Smallfield, Lexi Morris, Mya Sutcliffe, Claire Dillner, Payten Vrudney, Addison Goldstein, Hannah McPeak, Frankie Dalesandro, Maddie Lutes, Bailey Long, Sacha Ciavarella.

Letterwinners Lost (2): Jaden Smallfield, Abby Fischer.

General Outlook: With 20 returning letter winners, the Pirates have depth and talent across all positions.

Forward: Cami McPeak returns after scoring 10 goals and providing six assists last season. Joining her up top will be Sophia Fischer (9 goals, 3 assists) and Mya Sutcliffe (4 goals).

Additionally, though, Anna Kept, Sarah Cravy, Lucy Reynolds and Maddie Lutes will all also play forward.

“We have a good mix of speed and power,” head coach Dean Dunlavy said.

Midfield: The group of Payton Kittle, Sacha Ciavarella, Lexi Morris, Claire Dillner, Frankie Dalesandro, Bailey Long, Addison Goldstein and Arianna Fiorentino will all share time at midfield.

It is a group filled with experience and youth, according to Dunlavy.

Defense: Emma Chaney, Erin Chaney, Kendra Shute, Emmi Smallfield, Payten Vrudney, Bailey Morris, Hannah McPeak and Reese Diehl will also provide defensive help.

Goalkeepers: Katie Long returns for her senior season.

STREETSBORO ROCKETS

Head Coach: Ryan Willard, 26th year overall; 14th at Streetsboro; 108-107-18 career record.

Coaching Staff: Alyssa Hendrix, assistant; Taylor Donovan, assistant.

2021 Record: 16-4 overall; 9-1 Metro Athletic Conference; MAC regular-season champions; sectional champions.

Returning Letterwinners (11): Heidi Timmons, sr.; Alyssa Schofield, sr.; Kelsey Rich, sr.; Jordyn Lytle, sr.; Sydney Carmen, jr.; Claire Collins, jr.; Lainey Klein, jr.; Mads Genovese, soph.; Lydia Schofield, soph.; Makayla Claflin, soph.; Grace Thompson, soph.

Letterwinners Lost (10): Brooke Tacsar, Maddie Maynard, Ella Deevers, Mariah Embry, Lina Muller, Jordan Hehmeyer, Emma Flick, Kenzie Mobley, Renee Rose, Alexandra Madden.

General Outlook: “We had an amazing 2022 graduating class that kind of dominated playing time since they were freshmen,” head coach Ryan Willard said. “We are certainly going to be a new-look team.”

Even still, Willard said he anticipates the team will carry a lot of promise into the season.

“It will be hard to live up to the teams of the last few years, but any team would struggle to do that.”

Something Interesting: The 2021 Rockets broke eight school records: Goals scored in a season (46 by Emma Flick), assists in a season (26 by Ella Deevers), shutouts in a season (Heidi Timmons, 8), team wins (16), team shutouts (9), team goals against average (1.05), team goals (102) and team assists (71).

Forwards: Lydia Schofield, a sophomore, will jump into the leading role here after scoring nine goals and having three assists last year.

Midfield: Returning to start will be Alyssa Schofield (6 goals, 2 assists), Madz Genovese (4 goals, 3 assists), Kelsey Rich (1 goal, 3 assists) and Jordyn Lytle (1 goal, 1 assist).

Defense: The Rockets’ back line will be anchored by Claire Collins, Sydney Carmen, Grace Thompson and Makayla Claflin.

Goalkeepers: Heidi Timmons returns after a stellar junior season, when she had 70 saves, 21 goals against and eight shutouts. Lainey Klein will serve as the backup.

WATERLOO VIKINGS

Head Coach: Bill Jackson, 1st year.

Coaching Staff: Shannon More, assistant; Mackenzie Webb, assistant.

2021 Recap: 8-4-2 overall record; 8-3-1 Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference; 3rd in MVAC.

Returning Letterwinners (12): Rose Couts, sr.; Kayla Turcsak, sr.; Kaira English, jr.; Lilly Foster, jr.; Grace Yarian, jr.; Sydney Jackson, jr.; Olivia Boyle, jr.; Carletta Henry, soph.; Courtney Eisenbraun, soph.; Gabriela Gonzalez, soph.; Sophia Wood, soph.; Mya Bennett, soph.

Letterwinners Lost (5): Olivia Johnston, Mackenzie Webb, Kim Eland, Kelly Rach, Hailey Waldeck.

General Outlook: “We have a solid nucleus and some promising newcomers,” said head coach Bill Jackson, who also stated that he is excited to see the progression the team can make throughout the year.

“The players have developed team goals and worked hard in the off-season. With a more challenging scrimmage schedule, the team should be ready to play.”

Overall, the program’s numbers are on the rise and Jackson indicated he is also anxious to add newcomers Bailey English (freshman), Chloe Guth (freshman), Lille Snyder (senior) and Aracely Camacho (sophomore).

Forwards: Two stellar seasons have Kaira English amongst the leading goal-scorers in the state returning for the 2022 season.

English scored 54 goals alone last season, which ranked as the eighth-best single season in Ohio high school girls soccer history.

English scored 39 goals as a freshman and is already the school’s all-time leading goals leader.

Joining English on the attack are Olivia Boyle (5 goals, 6 assists) and Rose Couts (12 goals, 10 assists).

Midfield: The ball is played through Sydney Jackson, who distributed a single-season school record 18 assists last year, while also scoring seven goals.

Depth comes from Carletta Henry (4 assists) and Mya Bennett (10 goals, 2 assists).

Defenders: Lilly Foster and Kayla Turcsak are the Vikings’ leaders defensively.

“Lily is a disciplined defender with great footwork and leadership. Kayla has quick feet, with a high defensive IQ, leadership and vision.”

Goalkeeper: Grace Yaria set a single-season school record a year ago with 170 saves.