HERSHEY >> Maddie and Tori Angelo took two different paths to the same destination.

Maddie, a co-captain on the Pennridge girls soccer team, spent most of her senior season sidelined while rehabbing an injury while Tori, a freshman, went from reserve to starter as the Rams chased a state title. Saturday in Hershey, a pass from Tori sent Leah Malone in for a goal that made sure Maddie ended her career as a state champion.

While the fall played out very different for each, the sisters played a big part in getting each other through it as state champions.

“I couldn’t play this season, so I was kind of living it through her,” Maddie said, with Tori standing right next to her at HersheyPark Stadium. “We write the people’s names we play for on our wrist before every game and I always write hers on mine. It’s inspiring to watch her coming in as a freshman to a program where there’s a lot of success but also a lot of pressure put on you.”

In January, Maddie tore the ACL in her right knee, leaving her sidelined for all but a ceremonial appearance this fall. On the team’s Senior Night, she took the opening tap from her younger sister, then booted the ball out of bounds before exiting the field.

With the Rams making the state final, the timelines caught up and the senior was cleared the week prior to return to competition. On Saturday, for the first time this season, Maddie was a full participant in warm-ups, her right knee bracketed in a brace and ready to go in if the circumstances allowed it.

“I wanted to go in for a minute if possible,” Maddie said. “I got cleared for contact, but it’s still a long process before I can really play in a game again so I think I had a somewhat unrealistic hope to get in. With how things went, I knew it was best if I cheered my team on from the sidelines.”

A Youngstown State recruit, Maddie Angelo started as a sophomore and junior and was slated to be the team’s only returning defender prior to her injury. In 2018, she started the PIAA 4A final where Pennridge fell to Souderton in overtime, so the idea of getting on the field as a sort of redemption was a dream ending.

Understanding the risk of reinjury against a physical North Allegheny team outweighed the reward, the elder Angelo took her usual spot standing on the bench cheering her team on.

“Whenever I wouldn’t know what to do, she would help me through that,” Tori said. “If I felt down or wasn’t doing well in a game, she always assured me I had another game. She didn’t get to play at all, so I knew even if I played poorly, I had a chance to rebound and come back strong the next game.”

Tori ended her freshman season with four goals and had several monster playoff performances on the road to Hershey. The winger, who stepped into a starting spot when Emily Kriney was injured midway through the regular season, mixed speed and physical play in a package that was hard for teams to handle.

Her relentless pursuit of the ball against Pennsbury in the district quarterfinals was rewarded with a goal, while that same high-energy approach led to plenty of throw-ins, corners and chances for her team in the district final against Spring-Ford and state semis with Parkland.

“She gave me a lot of hope this season and let me live through her success,” Maddie said. “I can’t be on the field, I can’t make a difference in that way so I had to find another way to make that difference.”

“My sister is on the team and a lot of my friends are on the team, so I could always play for them,” Tori said. “They’re always keeping my spirits up and helping me through the game. The bond between us keeps the game alive.”

In the state final, Tori’s pressure helped the Rams win their first PIAA title. It was her sharp diagonal pass that found Leah Malone for the eventual game-winner in double overtime.

Few players were having more fun postgame than Maddie Angelo. The senior was in plenty of photos, posing with the trophy, the giant chocolate bar, her sister and other teammates. While the final game she played in, last year’s state semifinal loss to Conestoga, left a disappointing feeling, this last game ended right, even if she didn’t get that chance to step on the field.

“I was really down on myself at the beginning of the season but seeing what these girls did for each other and being able to be a part of the whole thing in my senior year, it’s a really great way to go out,” Maddie said. “I’m never going to forget this season.”

There was no traditional student-athlete experience in the Mercury-area this fall.

Like seemingly everything during the COVID-19 pandemic, there was nothing standard about the 2020 Pioneer Athletic Conference sports season as schools and student-athletes were on different timelines, schedules and learning plans.

Seven PAC schools started their seasons on Sept. 25, when Boyertown, Methacton, Owen J. Roberts, Perkiomen Valley, Pottsgrove (with the exception of football), Spring-Ford and Upper Perkiomen began league play in boys and girls golf, girls tennis, cross country, football, boys and girls soccer and field hockey and girls volleyball.

Boyertown began its school year with hybrid in-person and virtual learning; Owen J. Roberts and Perkiomen Valley shifted from all virtual learning to hybrid learning during their seasons; and Methacton, Pottsgrove, Spring-Ford and Upper Perkiomen remained all virtual throughout the fall sports seasons.

“It was nice to almost have a relief after school because being cooped up in your house for seven hours is a lot mentally,” Pottsgrove girls volleyball player Sydney Mowery said. “It’s very draining, so some days after school going to practice we might be really tired after sitting a whole day in front of the computer. But I think everyone was happy to get out and do something.”

The rest of the PAC was joined by almost all of their usual peers later in the season with a total of 11 schools — the exception being Norristown — returning to competition by mid-to-late October.

Pope John Paul II approved a return to sports while keeping its students in a hybrid learning model. Upper Merion and Pottstown’s athletic programs made full returns with their students learning completely virtually.

“I think it was a little difficult because our season was so short and we had to crunch everything into a two-week period,” PJP senior girls volleyball player Jessica Donovan said.

Phoenixville, which began golf and singles tennis in September with the other schools, allowed its other teams to return to competition right around the time it began a hybrid learning model of its own.

Phantoms football players were allowed to return to the field if they remained in virtual learning throughout their seasons.

“Not at all. It was actually one of the easiest,” Phoenixville football player Nolan Martin said on whether the decision to stay in virtual learning was difficult. “I’m fine with staying online if it means a chance to play high school football again. Especially with my brothers, I’ll sacrifice anything to play at least one more down with them.”

Perkiomen Valley field hockey player Sophia Giangreco, left, is congratulated by her teammate after scoring Oct. 7 against Owen J. Roberts. (Owen McCue – MediaNews Group)

Everyday Routine

Athletes around the area adjusted to their new learning methods and schedules differently throughout the season.

Without in-person learning to break up their schedule, those student-athletes in virtual learning had more time to perfect their online learning routines.

Martin said he tried to wake up at around 5 or 6 a.m. on weekdays to get some schoolwork done before online classes from 8 a.m.-3 p.m and practice around 4 p.m.

Methacton boys soccer player Zach Stevenson said he didn’t leave his room much during the online school day before heading to practice for about two hours then returning back to his room to finish his school work.

“Every day, I was really just sitting alone in my room. I would get up after not moving my legs for hours on end and getting up and going to practice,” Stevenson said. “I’m just glad I finally got to see people after so long of just sitting alone because most of my classes are just everybody’s muted listening to a teacher.”

Owen J. Roberts senior field hockey player Raina Smolij spent her Mondays and Tuesdays in virtual learning and roamed the halls like usual — albeit without half of her classmates — on Thursdays and Fridays. On Wednesdays, OJR students had off with an opportunity to catch up with work and/or meet with teachers for office hours.

Smolij said a typical day from home consisted of catching a little bit of extra sleep before getting prepared for school like normal and heading downstairs in her ‘comfy clothes’ to hop on her computer. Online periods were consistent with the schedule for an in-person school day.

“During lunch I tried to stay off my phone or computer just so I could give my brain a break from staring at the computer,” Smolij said.

The hybrid schedule was similar for Pope John Paul II senior girls volleyball player Isabella Ricevuto. PJP’s students were broken into blue and gold cohorts with each group coming in two designated days per week and every other Wednesday.

Ricevuto said not much was different from her days in school and out. She dressed in her school polo for class and sat in on classes on her computer from 7:50 a.m. to 2:25 p.m. with 10-minute breaks between periods. At the school some subtle differences included one-direction hallways and half-empty classrooms.

Even though she shared classes with some of her teammates, Ricevuto said they weren’t always in the same place. They still made a point to stay in touch throughout the school day.

“I do have certain classes online with people,” Ricevuto said. “Like I have an anatomy class with Lexi McMonagle and I have English with Hanna Tulli. When we’re in school, Lexi’s on the opposite day as me, so it’s really hard, but throughout the day in that class I’ll make sure to send her a text. With Hanna, I almost FaceTime her everyday in that class.”

The Pope John Paul II girls volleyball team gathers around coach Ryan Sell during a PIAA quarterfinal match against BecaHi. (Owen McCue – MediaNews Group)

Practices and Games

Despite the reprieve sports played in giving student-athletes a taste of ‘normal,’ things were still different even when they arrived at the athletic fields everyday this fall.

Regulations were slightly varied from school-to-school. Common safety measures included required mask use for players upon arrival and departure, and questionnaires and temperature checks before games and practices, requiring players and coaches to get to the field early.

During games and practices, players were encouraged to keep their distance from each other, which proved more difficult sometimes more than others.

“Especially in the beginning,” Ricevuto said, “it was really hard for us when we were on the bleachers or when we were on the bench to stay apart with our masks on because we are so team oriented and love to help each other. It just made it a little more difficult.”

“It was a little weird because I didn’t get to see my coach’s face,” Donovan said, noting PJP head coach Ryan Sell wore a mask during games and practices throughout the entire season.

Other adjustments included a locker room that was either off limits or limited to a quick in-and-out trip.

“We definitely are missing the in-school interactions with our teammates and the locker room too,” Phoenixville senior football player Max Strunk said.

“Definitely the (locker room) interactions. With COVID going on it’s kind of in and out,” Strunk’s teammate Kris Grinstead said of what was missing this season.

Along with following new guidelines, gearing up for games and practices also provided some challenges compared to years past, particularly after a day of online learning at home.

Players said showing up early to practices and games to be around teammates helped generate some energy before they got onto the field.

“Before practice or games we’re supposed to be there an hour earlier, but some of us get there especially early because we’re so antsy about the game and want to be there,” Spring-Ford girls soccer player Emily Higgins said. “We’re sitting in front of the computer eight hours a day so we just want to get out there and be with our teammates and play for each other.”

Smolij said the Wildcats used music to try and pump themselves up when they got to practices and games. Making sure everyone was mentally prepared became an important role for Smolij and the team’s other leaders this fall.

“I think the people who are at home, I think it’s hard because you don’t get to be around anyone,” Smolij said. “You’re kind of by yourself doing your own thing. At school, maybe you get to see other people in the hallway and I always feel more tired before a practice or a game when I’ve been home all day. I kind of feel burned out.”

“We try and make sure everyone’s in it and not just going through the motions,” she added. “As seniors that was a big thing for us. We had to make sure everyone was in a good mood and trying to get everyone hyped up for the game.

Perkiomen Valley football player Rasheem Grayson wears a mask on the sidelines before a game against Upper Perkiomen. (Owen McCue – MediaNews Group)

Team Bonding

During Senior Day festivities, athletes often remark that their best memories weren’t the ones made on the field but rather other moments that took place during their careers.

COVID restrictions and virtual learning limited some of those traditional experiences this season or even everyday encounters in the hallway.

Camaraderie among the upperclassmen certainly carried over from years past, but opportunities to build that with new members to the team were missing this fall.

“It was hard to get to know some of the younger guys,” Stevenson said. “I wouldn’t get to see them that much, even during school or anything to be able to talk to them. We weren’t really able to make that great of connections with them.

“And that’s one of the best things about being a senior is that you’re able to talk to some of the younger guys, get to know them and hand the reins down to them. We didn’t really get much of that this season.”

Teams weren’t able to meet up as a big group away from the field with COVID-19 social distancing guidelines in place.

Pasta parties, team breakfasts and team sleepovers are some of the off-field group bonding activities that were missing this fall.

“We had a hard time, especially all the seniors who wanted to make it fun,” Smolij said. “We wanted to try and make team bonding experiences, but we missed out on a lot. … That was really hard on a lot of us because we didn’t realize last year that was going to be the last time we were going to have those experiences.”

In lieu of some of those traditional experiences, student-athletes found other ways to take advantage of the limited time they had with each other.

Pope John Paul II volleyball players helped each other with homework and college essays before and after practice when possible or during the junior varsity games.

Martin said he and his teammates tried to go out of their way to reach out to some of their younger teammates, whether that be a quick conversation before practice or inviting them to grab a bite to eat.

He said without being able to see each other in school or hang out in big groups in their spare time, there’s been an added appreciation for the little time they do spend together.

“This is my last year of high school football. This is my last year of high school,” Martin said. “Any moment I can get with my brothers, I’m going to take it. I cherish every single moment I can.”

“It’s the little things that build the team together,” he added. “Anything we can get, we take.”

Showing their spirit on Game Day was another big aspect missing from team’s this season. In traditional years many players wore their jerseys to school or some type of other spirit wear.

Without many of their teammates in class on game days, OJR players found new ways to show their game day spirit and build team pride.

“On the day of the game, we always tried to stay in contact,” Smolij said. “We had a group chat we all talked in and then on the days before a game at practice — usually the day we’re in school for a game we do a spirit day — and we did it in practice the day before just to try to get everybody excited for the next day.”

Lessons Learned

A summer full of worrying about whether they would even get a chance to get on the field or face the same fate of last spring’s seniors prepped student-athletes for the worst prior to the start of the fall season.

The opportunity to get on the field — particularly after watching peers in the spring not get the same chance — altered many student-athlete’s perspectives this fall.

“We didn’t take it for granted this season,” Stevenson said. “We all said this. It was just nice to finally have something that we could all look forward to that was normal like other years. Nothing this year has been normal. It was good to finally have something back like that.”

“We fought for this and this is what we got,” Grinstead said. “All our seniors were appreciative of it.”

Despite the differences and challenges of the 2020 fall season, student-athletes said they learned a lot about themselves and their teammates this year.

“It’s definitely making you more accountable because there’s no one watching you 24/7,” Martin said.

Adapting to new learning methods, safety guidelines and everything else that was different this fall, including a shortened season for some, proved difficult but was taken in stride.

“Adjusting our mindset was a huge thing for this season because we usually start in early August, so we have a lot of time to improve and work on the basics,” Tulli said. “This year, we kind of just jumped right in and had to adjust because our season was crammed into eight games in the span of two weeks, which was difficult. We had to get our heads on right and realize this was the reality of our season and we had to be serious about it.”

Knowing that their experiences were shared was another way teams came together amid the difficult circumstances.

“I was really happy with how respectful all my teammates were with the mask wearing, following protocols,” Mowery said. “Everyone was so open to it and very respectful and flexible. … Everyone just wanted to play, so they’d do what it takes to play. I thought that was just nice to see and made everything a little bit more easy going and not too stressful.

“Everyone was on the same page. Everyone was struggling with the same stuff, so that was kind of good. It sucks that it’s happening, but everyone knows that we’re all in this together, which was just a way to keep us connected.”

Avery Spencer, Baseball, Radford University

Pottsgrove baseball player Avery Spencer has recently committed to continue his academic and athletic careers at Radford University, where he will major in criminal justice. Pictured from left are Sharon (mother), Avery Spencer, and Barry (father).

Steven Rinda, Baseball, Misericordia University

Pottsgrove baseball player Steven Rinda recently committed to continue his academic and athletic careers at Misericordia University, where he will major in mathematics. Pictured from left are Rebeca (mother), Steven Rinda, Steven (father), and Gabriel (brother).

Cooper Fiore, Baseball, Misericordia University

Pottsgrove baseball player Cooper Fiore recently committed to continue his academic and athletic careers at Misericordia University, where he will major in business. Fiore, also a standout on the boys soccer team, was a second team All-Frontier selection as sophomore. Pictured from left are Ernesto (father), Cooper Fiore, and Stacey (mother).

Riley Simon, Basketball, Lebanon Valley College

Pottsgrove girls basketball player Riley Simon recently committed to continue her academic and athletic careers at Lebanon Valley College, where she will major in second education mathematics. Simon is a three-sport athlete, which included being captain of the girls basketball team and a first team All-Frontier selection last season. Pictured from left are Lisa (mother), Chris (father) and Cooper (brother).

Hailey Strain, Soccer/ Track, Methodist Univ.

Pottsgrove girls soccer and track athlete Hailey Strain has committed to continue her academic and athletic careers at Methodist University, where she will major in nursing. Strain has been an all-area selection in both sports during her career. Pictured from left are Kevin (father), Hailey Strain, and Mandy (mother).

Alexis Zook, Soccer, Grove City College

Pottsgrove girls soccer player Alexis Zook recently committed to continue her academic and athletic careers at Grove City College, where she will major in chemistry. During her Pottsgrove career Zook earned first team All-Frontier honors twice. Pictured from left are Teresa (mother), Alexis Zook, and Tony (father).

Justin Wescoat, Lacrosse, Univ. of Hartford

Pottsgrove boys lacrosse player Justin Wescoat recently committed to continue their academic and athletic careers at the University of Hartford, where he will major in business. Pictured from left are Shannon (mother), Justin Wescoat, and Scott (father).

Ardmore – The Lower Merion High School girls’ soccer team couldn’t be beaten in 2020, compiling a perfect 12-0 record which culminated in a Central League Tournament title.

For the season, the Aces scored 43 goals, allowing only five, and featured a strong and deep roster.

“We had a potent offense paired with a stingy defense,” said Lower Merion head coach Kevin Ries. “Our triangle midfield connected the two. Everyone knew and accepted their role on this team.”

It was a special season for Ries as well, who collected his 200th career win with a 7-0 win against Harriton Oct. 20. Ries, who took over the helm of the Aces in 2003, also won the Central League title in 2006. The past two years, the Aces have compiled a 28-3 record.

Leading the way for the Aces this fall was senior midfielder Maya Masotti, the Central League’s Most Valuable Player. She scored 13 goals this fall and received first team All-Central League honors for the third time.

“Maya is one of the two best players I’ve had in my 18 years as Lower Merion coach,” said Ries.

Masotti, a University of Massachusetts commit, said, “When our team got the text that we would be playing this fall, we were more excited than when we won the Central League title. We knew we had a good team, we wanted to showcase our talents, and now that we can say we are Central League champs, it’s a full-circle moment.”

Masotti also was pretty excited at the end of the Central League championship final, a 2-0 win against Radnor.

“Right as the final buzzer rang, I immediately shoved my face into my jersey and just began to cry,” said Masotti. “All I kept thinking was how this was going to be the last time I stepped off the field with these girls. The bond our team had this year was remarkable and was our key to success. We played all our games for each other.”

Senior goalie Audrey Brown, a University of Cincinnati commit, posted seven shutouts this fall and recorded a 0.42 goals-against average.

“In the championship final, I remember watching the clock run down in the final seconds, and once the buzzer sounded, my jaw dropped,” said Brown. “There were no thoughts in my head, other than the excitement, happiness and adrenaline from accomplishing our goal.”

“Having Audrey is a huge comfort,” said Masotti. “She really leads the team. Her voice is loud and she instructs people where to go. A goalie should be a leader and both Audrey and Bridget [McCann] fit that role.”

For the Lower Merion seniors, one of the most vivid memories of the season was the game-winning goal scored from 25 yards out in overtime by sophomore midfielder Elly Slensky against Garnet Valley in the Central League semifinal.

“I had a feeling even before the 10 minute overtime period started that we were going to win this game,” said senior center back Lily Garton. “I was behind Ely when she scored. The ball was dropped back to her and as soon as I saw all the space around her I knew it was going in. I think that was one of the happiest moments in most of our Lower Merion careers. … Most of us had already played together last season and we had a tight bond as a group.”

Ries said, “Lily Garton and [senior center back] Ellie Ward solidified our backline.”

Ward said, “We knew that each game could be our last this season because of the uncertainty with the coronavirus, so each game we came out with a strong mentality.

“Before the soccer season started, I would go over to Arnold Field a lot and practice my touches, occasionally with friends. So, one of the biggest challenges before the season began was definitely making sure that the drills we did were safe and socially distant. Once Lower Merion allowed for practices to resume, with players separated, this same problem persisted. But this enabled us to really focus on our touches and footwork heading into the season.”

The Aces’ midfield was strong, with sophomore Elly Slensky (a first team All-Central League selection), senior Ella Braunfeld and sophomore Emma Burke.

“Our midfield of Slensky, Burke and Braunfeld controlled the middle of the field all season,” said Ries.
“We just wanted to leave a lasting legacy,” said Braunfeld. “One of our big slogans this year was to ‘Get our year on the banner,” meaning we wanted to get 2020 on the girls soccer banner in our gymnasium and winning the Central League was the way to do that. Since we only lost two seniors to graduation last spring, we had almost the same team this year. We were so motivated to prove ourselves after the 2019 season, where we finished disappointingly in the district playoffs and second in the Central League.”
Slensky, who scored the winning goal in the Central League semifinals from 25 yards out (on an assist from fellow sophomore Grace Downey) was one of four sophomore starters for the Aces this fall. Downey and sophomore Sadie Cohen started every game, and Downey tallied the game-winner in the 2-0 win against Radnor in the Central League championship final.

“Grace Downey and Sadie Cohen added toughness and technical ability,” said Ries. “Juniors Kate Jackson and Amanda Rossello along with sophomore Abby Braslow added depth and played a lot when injuries occurred.”
Rosello assisted on Downey’s game-winning goal in the Central League championship final.
Another key offensive contributor for the Aces this season was junior Hannah Blodget, who tallied seven goals and dished out four assists.

Junior left fullback Roberta Moger, a second team All-Central League selection, led the Aces in assists.

“Our seniors have pushed me to be the best player I can be,” said Moger. “They have taught me so much about being a good leader, I hope I can carry that into next year and be a good role model for the younger players.”

• Eddie Levin contributed to this article.

The senior forward and team captain has been a prolific scorer for the Owls this fall, scoring seven goals in Agnes Irwin’s first five games. She scored two goals in Agnes Irwin’s season-opening win against Germantown Academy, tallied both goals in a 2-0 victory vs. Episcopal Academy, and scored two goals in a 3-2 win against GA Nov. 17. Last fall, she was the Owls’ joint MVP (along with Natalie Pansini), had the most combined goals/assists for Agnes Irwin (10-9-3)) and received second team All-Main Line honors. She will play soccer for Division I Marshal University next fall. Off the pitch at Agnes Irwin, she participates in Athletes Helping Athletes, Girls Grant Making and PALS.

Q: What do you think has been the biggest key to your productive scoring this fall?

A: The biggest key to my productive season this year would be my determination to train hard, win, and be the best version of myself. With this being an abnormal season due to COVID-19, along with it being my senior year, I play every game like it could be my last time in an Agnes Irwin soccer uniform. I am extremely hardworking and I have an immense passion for the game. I am always pushing myself to get better and I am extremely excited to further my soccer career next year at Marshall University. However, my success would not be possible without the rest of my teammates and my coaches. My teammates at Agnes Irwin have become my best friends and push me to become a better player. This team is filled with so much love and talent and I am honored to be a part of it. Coach Mike Welsh and Coach Katie Cooper have supported me throughout the season and provided me with valuable coaching critiques. I am very thankful for what the entire coaching staff at Agnes Irwin has done for me during my soccer career. 

Q: Tell us a little about your soccer training since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. What have you found to be the biggest challenge to your training during the pandemic, and how did you handle that?

A: The COVID-19 pandemic presented many challenges when trying to continue my training. With everything being cancelled for club and high school soccer, I was forced to continue training on my own. Finding open fields to get in extra touches was difficult, as most of the fields were shut down. Finding ways to stay in shape with limited resources and access to equipment was also a challenge. Most of all, I missed seeing all of my teammates and coaches as we relied on Zoom calls to see each other. However, this was not going to stop me from training and I was determined to continue my training. I found new ways to focus on all aspects of my game. I spent countless hours watching my game film finding new ways to improve on and off the ball. I lifted weights to improve my strength and went for runs to maintain my current fitness. I would find any space available to get touches on a ball. I was motivated to continue my training to be prepared for the upcoming season. 

Q: How do you see your role as a team leader, on the field as a forward, and off the field as a senior captain during the COVID-19 pandemic?

A: Off the field, I strive to make sure all of my teammates are treated with respect and everyone feels like equals. The pandemic has presented itself as a challenge to our program this year. With multiple game cancellations and new protocols, I strived to create an environment for our team where everyone felt comfortable. Along with this, I pushed my teammates to work hard and focus on our training. On the field as a forward, I am humbled to represent the success of my entire team through my goals. Being able to put the ball in the net and lead us to a win makes me extremely happy and proud. Although, my individual success would not be possible without the rest of my teammates. 

Q: Tell us a little about your start in soccer. Have you always played forward? Who have been your biggest soccer mentors, and what was the most important thing you learned from each one?

A: I have been playing soccer for as long as I can remember. Although I have been playing since the age of 4, I started playing competitive travel soccer at the age of 8. I have always been an offensive minded player and I love to score goals. I am extremely versatile and can play in any of the attacking positions. My biggest soccer mentors would have to be the amazing coaches I have had the privilege to be coached by. My club coach and high school soccer coach, Mike Welsh, has been a huge part of my success. I have played for Coach Mike’s club team for four years and his high school team for two years. He has always been there for me through everything and has worked so hard to train me to be the player I am today. He has taught me so much about the game of soccer and I am so thankful for the bond we have created. I am so grateful to have met Coach Mike as he is one of the most influential coaches I have ever met. The most important thing I have learned from Coach Mike is to always work for my dreams and persevere through tough times. I also owe a great deal of thanks to my fantastic coaches from my Region I ODP Team. I had the wonderful opportunity to play internationally in Ireland with my Region I Team. This experience taught me many important life lessons that will prepare me for the rest of my life. 

Q: What do you think is the strongest aspect of your game? What part of your game are you working on the most currently?

A: The strongest aspect of my game would be my work rate and my ability to finish. I always strive to work hard and train as hard as possible. My team relies on me to score and I am confident I am able to do so. There are always parts of my game I can improve on to become a better player. One area I am working on currently is building my strength to prepare myself to play Division 1 soccer at Marshall University next year. I am doing this by working with strength and conditioning coaches and focusing on my nutrition. 

Q: Tell us a little about your pre-game preparation the day of a game.

A: My pre-game preparation the day of a game always includes stretching and fueling myself with plenty of food and water. I also have to listen to my favorite pump-up song, Runnin from the Creed II playlist before every game. I close my eyes and imagine myself playing in the game. During warmups, I lock myself into focus and mentally and physically prepare for the game. I often lead my team in a loud cheer to pump everyone up for the game. Before the starting whistle blows before every game, I must do three jumps and do the sign of the cross. It is definitely a superstition that I have to do to be able to play well. 

Q: You wear uniform jersey No. 4 for Agnes Irwin. Why did you pick this number – was there a particular reason?

A: When I was growing up, I always wore No. 27 because it was my dad’s jersey number for his sports teams. My dad has always been my role model and I admired him throughout my adolescence. However, when I switched club teams, I was not allowed to use No. 27, and I had to pick a single digit number. I chose No. 4 and I continued to use this number because it has brought me good luck.

Q: What is your favorite course at Agnes Irwin? What do you think you might want to major in at Marshall? Is there a career field that particularly interests you at the present time?

A: My favorite course at Agnes Irwin is my Microbiology class. In this course, we focus on lab-based activities and study all types of living organisms that are too small to be seen with the naked eye. This course is very fascinating and I really enjoy this course due to it being extremely hands-on. Our microbiology class has also been focusing on the Coronavirus Pandemic and the efforts being taken to create a vaccine. This course is also helpful in preparing me for college as I plan to major in Microbiology or Biomedicine. A career field that interests me now is Pharmaceuticals and Infectious Disease Specialists.

Fun facts – Alyssa Hardin

Favorite book: The Giver.

Favorite author: J.K. Rowling.

Favorite TV show: Criminal Minds.

Favorite movie: Creed II.

Favorite athlete: Cristiano Ronaldo.

Favorite pre-game pump-up song: Runnin – Creed II Soundtrack.

Favorite team: USA Women’s National Team.

Favorite place to visit: Virginia Beach, Va.

Favorite pre-game meal: Peanut butter bagel and a protein shake. 

Person I most admire, and why: “I most admire my Dad because he has been by my side supporting me throughout my athletic career. He is extremely hardworking and perseveres through the most difficult situations. I hope I can grow to be as strong and resilient as he is. I love my Dad and I am so thankful to have him as a role model in my life.”

Family members: parents Michael and Elaina, younger sister Adriana.

(To be selected as Main Line Girls Athlete of the Week, a student-athlete must first be nominated by her coach.)

The following selections are made by Ches-Mont League coaches and provided to Pa. Prep Live for publication.

Boys Soccer

National Division

League MVP: Johnny Regester, Jr., GK, W.C. East

Runner-Up: Ethan Ernst, Sr., D, Downingtown West

First Team

Elliot Dunn Sr. Avon Grove

Levi Morrell Sr. Avon Grove

Liem Au Sr. Coatesville

Drew Murta Sr. Downingtown East

Ethan Ernst Sr. Downingtown West

Dylan Englehart Sr. Downingtown West

John Zurlo Sr. W.C. Henderson

Evan Cunningham Jr. Bishop Shanahan

Ryan Cogill Sr. W.C. East

Owen Van Dyke Sr. W.C. East

Johnny Regester Jr. W.C. East

Second Team

Alexis Cordova Bernal Sr. Avon Grove

Evan Kent Sr. Downingtown East

Brendan Rosinsky Jr. Downingtown East

Tino Kneis Jr. W.C. Henderson

Ethan Jarden Jr. W.C. Henderson

Liam Keisling Sr. Downingtown West

Kyle McWilliams Jr. Downingtown West

Sean Gingrich Sr. Bishop Shanahan

Colin Deal Jr. Bishop Shanahan

Trey Mullen Jr. W.C. East

Joel Falkenstein Jr. W.C. East

Honorable Mention

Ben Lincoln Sr. Avon Grove

John Pepe Soph. Avon Grove

Adam Bradley Sr. Coatesville

Franklin Calli, Jr. Sr. Coatesville

James Blake Soph. Downingtown East

Joey Hennsey Sr. Downingtown East

Daniel Hinkle Jr. Downingtown West

Adam Gomaa Jr. W.C. Henderson

Noel Kiefer Jr. W.C. Henderson

Zane Domsohn Jr. Bishop Shanahan

Bryce Domsohn Jr. Bishop Shanahan

Eric Bechtel Sr. W.C. East

Matt Houp Soph. W.C. East

American Division

League MVP: Alex O’Leary, Sr., Unionville

First Team

Jack Regenye Sr. Unionville

Sean Lock Jr. Great Valley

Judah Knaub Sr. W.C. Rustin

Zach Mannices Soph. Kennett

Alex O’Leary Sr. Unionville

Karl Brandt Jr. Great Valley

Zoller Gray Sr. Oxford

Gavin Seele Jr. Kennett

Anthony Zucchero Sr. Unionville

Kyle Ketterer Sr. Unionville

Dimitri Makris Jr. W.C. Rustin

Matthew Wellener Sr. Great Valley

Second Team

Quintin Wrabley Sr. Great Valley

Sam Klingenberg Jr. Unionville

Ethan Lord Sr. Unionville

Richard Park Soph. W.C. Rustin

Evan Steinmetz Sr. Oxford

Ryan Ferguson Sr. W.C. Rustin

Evan Hartman Sr. Kennett

Gavin Palmer Jr. Great Valley

Chase Segool Sr. Sun Valley

Fisher Berkowich Sr. Oxford

Mohamed Hendawy Jr. W.C. Rustin

Ethan Williams Sr. Great Valley

Honorable Mention

Yahir Carbajal Jr. Kennett

Bobbo Chambers Soph. Sun Valley

Tyler Emig Sr. W.C. Rustin

Dean Finan Jr. Great Valley

John Nolek Soph. Sun Valley

Hayden Quillman Sr. Unionville

Connor Riley Sr. Oxford

Jesus Zavala Sr. Kennett

Downingtown East’s Lauren Reimold looks up field as Spring-Ford’s Liv Curry defends. (Austin Hertzog – MediaNews Group)

Girls Soccer

National Division

First Team

Madelyn Grigalonis Fr. Bishop Shanahan

Annika Franke Sr. Avon Grove

Lauren Hart Sr. Coatesville

Bridget Riley Sr. Downingtown East

Lauren Reimold Soph. Downingtown East

Mary King Sr. W.C. Henderson

Maddie MacDonald Jr. Avon Grove

Amanda Maxson Sr. W.C. East

Bailey Horvath Fr. Downingtown East

Ava Minnier Jr. Downingtown West

Kennedy Stark Soph. W.C. Henderson

Second Team

Caroline McDonald Jr. Downingtown East

Madison Shumate Fr. Downingtown East

Lizzy Harrison Sr. Avon Grove

Sophia Griffin Sr. W.C. Henderson

Molly Smeins Soph. W.C. East

Madalyn Greco Jr. Downingtown West

Ava Rightmire Soph. Downingtown West

Abby Mills Soph. Avon Grove

Lindsey Tretowicz Jr. Avon Grove

Molly Walsh Jr. Downingtown East

Sydney Slusser Soph. W.C. East

Honorable Mention

Emma Moss Soph. Avon Grove

Grace Keen Soph. Avon Grove

Melissa Eaglehouse Soph. Bishop Shanahan

Kayla Kinzeler Jr. Coatesville

Caylin Lowery Fr. Coatesville

Hailey Coyle Soph. Downingtown West

Natalie Sims Sr. Downingtown East

American Division

First Team

Libby Cogan Sr. Great Valley

Sarah Darlington Sr. Unionville

Maggie Peterson Jr. Great Valley

Emma Pelkowski Sr. W.C. Rustin

Alex Wilson Sr. Unionville

Hayden Wilson Sr. Unionville

Chiara Robinson Sr. Sun Valley

Kaitlin Caban Jr. Great Valley

Gillian Yonce Jr. Great Valley

Maegan Quinn Jr. W.C. Rustin

Dulce Villagomez Sr. Oxford

Second Team

Mia Amen Jr. W.C. Rustin

Alyssa Welhaf Soph. Oxford

Alley Foote Sr. Unionville

Rose Bleahen Jr. Great Valley

Mackenzie Malloy Jr. Unionville

Lindsay Krafchick Jr. W.C. Rustin

Julia Dill Jr. Great Valley

Jenn Ely Fr. W.C. Rustin

Caroline Cofran Sr. Kennett

Campbell Fleming Jr. Oxford

Jaina Preuhs Soph. Sun Valley

Honorable Mention

Emily Laden Jr. Great Valley

Maddie Sallurday Sr. Kennett

Hannah Peterson Jr. Oxford

Samantha Hoy Sr. Sun Valley

Corinne Jaenich Jr. Unionville

Hope Donnelly Soph. W.C. Rustin

Tom Bodenschatz, Soccer, West Chester Univ.

Spring-Ford soccer player Tom Bodenschatz has committed to continue his academic and athletic careers at West Chester University, where he will major in management. Bodenschatz is seated center with, from left, brother Sam Bodenschatz, mother Hope Bodenschatz, father Rob Bodenschatz and coach Brent Kissel standing behind.

Hope Flanegin, Soccer, Lehigh Univ.

Spring-Ford soccer player Hope Flanegin has committed to continue her academic and athletic careers at Lehigh University, where she will major in biology. Flanegin is seated with, from left, mother Ashlee Flanegin and father Jeff Flanegin standing behind.

Trevor Jones, Soccer, King’s College

Spring-Ford soccer player Trevor Jones has committed to continue his academic and athletic careers at Kings College, where he will major in accounting. Jones is seated center with, from left, brother Cameron Jones, father Bryan Jones, mother Heather Jones, brother Preston Jones and coach Brent Kissel standing behind.

Lucy Olsen, Basketball, Spring-Ford

Spring-Ford basketball player Lucy Olsen, the 2018-19 and 2019-20 Mercury Player of the Year, has committed to continue her academic and athletic careers at Villanova University. Olsen is seated center with, from left, sister Lila Olsen, mother Kelley Olsen, father Roland Olsen and coach Mickey McDaniel standing behind.

Hailey Hudak, Basketball, Bloomsburg

Spring-Ford basketball player Hailey Hudak has committed to continue her academic and athletic careers at Bloomsburg University, where she will major in honors pre-med. Seated from left are mother Arlene Hudak, Hailey Hudak and father Ed Hudak. Standing from left are grandmother Sarah Valenta, brother Connor Hudak, grandfather Ray Valenta and coach Mickey McDaniel.

Jack McGill, Wrestling, Columbia Univ.

Spring-Ford wrestler Jack McGill has committed to continue his academic and athletic careers at Columbia University, where he will major in economics. Seated from left are sister Sydney McGill, sister, Jack McGill and mother Erica McGill. Standing from left are brother James McGill, brother Brett McGill, father Jeff McGill and coach Tim Seislove.

Joey Milano, Wrestling, North Carolina State Univ.

Spring-Ford wrestler Joey Milano has committed to continue his academic and athletic careers at North Carolina State University. Seated from left are father Joe Milano, Joey Milano and mother Cat Milano. Standing from left are sister Kariana Milano, sister Paulina Milano, Lacie Pierce and coach Tim Seislove.

Katie Sites, Soccer, Wilkes Univ.

Spring-Ford soccer player Katie Sites has committed to continue her academic and athletic careers at Wilkes University, where she will major in nursing. Sites is seated center with, from left, father Frank Sites, mother Chris Sites and coach Tim Raub and brother Brendan Sites standing behind.

Molly Thomas, Soccer, East Carolina Univ.

Spring-Ford soccer play Molly Thomas has committed to continue her academic and athletic careers at East Carolina, where she will major in business and minor computer science. Standing from left are father Steve Thomas, mother Heidi Thomas, mother, Molly Thomas, coach Tim Raub.

Riley Wallace, Soccer, Carnegie Mellon Univ.

Spring-Ford soccer player Riley Wallace has committed to continue her academic and athletic careers at Carnegie Mellon University, where she will major in international studies and Russian and participate in ROTC. Standing from left are father Drew Wallace, Riley Wallace, coach Tim Raub and mother Kim Wallace.

In many ways, it’s difficult to pin down Lindsey DeHaven’s most defining trait or moment.

That’s no knock on the Pennridge senior but a statement on the myriad ways she impacted games for the Rams girls soccer program. A four-year varsity starter, four-time SOL conference champion, two-time District 1 winner and now state champion, DeHaven’s game is broad in many ways but easy to sum up in one.

Simply, the Pennridge co-captain is a winning player.

The keystone piece in the Rams’ state title run, DeHaven has been tabbed The Reporter/Times Herald/Montgomery Media Girls Soccer Player of the Year for 2020.

“She was such a big presence in a part of the field where we didn’t have big bodies, people always say it doesn’t matter the size but she played huge,” Rams coach Audrey Anderson said. “It was crazy the amount of balls she won out of the air. If I could clone Lindsey, I’d have her as a target forward, a center mid, an attacking mid and a holding mid, she’s so great in any of those roles.”

DeHaven arrived to the program in 2017 and fit right into the starting lineup as a center forward despite usually being the smallest player on the field. She’s not much bigger now, but DeHaven felt she grew into her body this past summer and being that extra bit physical helped her excel in a demanding position as the team’s holding midfielder.

With the Rams needing to replace a pair of tenacious ball-winning midfielders in Maddie Anderson and Chance Hendricks this fall, Anderson turned to DeHaven. The senior had all the required skills, the challenge would be how she navigated her attacking mentality through the defensive responsibilities of the position.

“(Head coach) Audrey (Anderson) and (assistant coach Jason Lollar) asked if I was OK with it, and of course I wasn’t going to say no but it was a little nerve-wracking trying to fill those big shoes,” DeHaven said. “I had a supportive team around me and our defensive line was so strong, I knew I’d be fine and could work in the first couple of games.”

Pennridge senior Lindsey DeHaven hugs a teammate after the Rams won the PIAA 4A championship against North Allegheny on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020. (Austin Hertzog/MediaNews Group)

Balancing her attacker’s mindset with defensive discipline took a little adjusting for DeHaven but Anderson knew the senior’s feel for the game would help there. Whether at forward or midfield, DeHaven had always excelled playing the ball in the air and her knack for winning headers was a prerequisite for the holding role.

Winning the ball out of the air is something even tall players can struggle with, but DeHaven never wanted her size to be a detriment.

“You have to be a little brave and trust in your abilities,” DeHaven said. “You have to believe you can come out with the ball. It really just comes down to the support of my teammates all four years. Even if I was nervous, they gave me that reassurance that I could do it.”

Again, it was that inability to shoehorn DeHaven into a single mold that led Anderson to give the senior more leeway offensively. A midseason injury forced the Rams to change some things in their formation and they needed DeHaven to get more involved in the attack, as long as she wasn’t totally ignoring her defensive duties as well.

DeHaven could still win the ball further up the field but it was her ability to connect the short passes or navigate through defenders that gave Pennridge a little extra punch.

“We told her if you can go forward and get back, go for it because what she does offensively is hard to defend,” Anderson said. “When you have Liv Grenda in front of her, those two are hard to match up against so we gave Lindsey free reign based on how she was feeling.”

DeHaven responded in turn with an eight-goal, 10-assist campaign and countless balls won on the ground or in the air during the team’s postseason run. In the biggest matches, DeHaven put defensive work first and knew her team needed that from her more than another shot attempt going forward.

Parkland’s Alex Marsteller (15) attempts to sweep the ball away from Pennridge’s Lindsey DeHaven (45) during their PIAA-4A semifinal on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2020. (James Beaver/For MediaNews Group)

She also gave plenty of praise to Grenda (14 goals, six assists), Sophie Craig (five goals, five assists) and Riley Hepler (seven goals, seven assists) for providing so much offensively that she never felt compelled to overstep her role.

“I could gauge what the team needed the first couple minutes and decide what I should do,” DeHaven said. “I got a lot of assists off free kicks and a couple goals off corners, but my defense held it in or even Liv would drop in when I went forward. Our team, we had such a family feeling, it helped a lot being able to get those goals and assists as a defensive player.”

Not only that, but there was some pain involved too. DeHaven gutted through a strained hamstring the last week of the season, giving her team all she had in two tense, trying games with Parkland and North Allegheny in the state tournament. DeHaven described the injury as not a full muscle pull, but something she felt with every step and something she had to be mindful of.

Needing DeHaven on the field, the coaches asked her to dial back some of her runs forward that last week but they still needed every bit of her energy. In the state final, a halftime adjustment tagged DeHaven with dropping in to help the back line with a North Allegheny player who wanted to dribble backward and create runs from the gaps she created doing so.

“It was very emotional and very tolling on the body physically and mentally but the way we as a team had been talking about getting there and actually being there and going through it, it was like a dream,” DeHaven said. “It’s still hard to talk about, it doesn’t feel real but I wouldn’t have wanted my senior season to end any other way.”

Despite that, the senior managed to author two of her most important performances in a Pennridge uniform, helping deliver the program’s first state championship.

“She stuck out,” Anderson said. “She was the person the others looked at and saw ‘Lindsey’s not panicking so we’re still in this game.’ To have the amount of freshmen we did on the field looking toward Lindsey and knowing she wasn’t going to panic was huge.”

Pennridge captains, from left, Emily Kriney, Leah Malone, Lindsey DeHaven and Madison Angelo pose with the PIAA championship trophy after defeating North Allegheny 1-0 in overtime for Class 4A title on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020 (Austin Hertzog/MediaNews Group)

While there’s no shortage of DeHaven winning a header over a bigger player, slipping a five-yard pass right to a teammate’s feet or a jubilant expression after a goal to sift through for that defining moment, there’s another option.

After most every win at Helman Field, it was common to see DeHaven surrounded by four, five or more young players with the varsity player giving all of them time and thanking them for coming. As a little kid, she was in that same spot and felt it was important to pass on the same kindness former players had shown her.

“It could be scary going up to them so even when I was younger, I would always think when I get to high school I’m going to be the person who wants them to come over and say hi or ‘good game,’” DeHaven said. “I work with Audrey at Deep Run, so I think a lot of them know me from being around the field but it’s still important to thank them too because they’re our biggest supporters.”

DeHaven has signed with High Point and said she’s excited to start the whole process over again at the college level. She can leave comfortably, knowing the Rams’ underclassmen more than proved themselves this fall and is eager to see what the team accomplishes over the next few years.

Of course, there will be a glaring DeHaven-sized hole for the Rams to fill, one Anderson joked she doesn’t even want to think about until the calendar reads 2021. Players can fill in bits of DeHaven’s role collectively, but finding someone else who can do that much is the challenge.

“She was every role you need on the field in one package,” Anderson said. “When you have somebody who can do it all, she could do the job of three girls at once, it’s tough to replace.”

Pioneer Athletic Conference 2020 Fall Citizen Awards

BOYERTOWN: Logan Black, Girls Volleyball

METHACTON: Chris Spletzer, Boys Cross Country

OWEN J. ROBERTS: Kendall Obara, Girls Tennis

PERKIOMEN VALLEY: Gavin Berk, Boys Soccer

POTTSGROVE: Michael Troutman, Boys Soccer

SPRING-FORD: Kyle Kennedy, Football

UPPER MERION: Andrew Egan, Boys Soccer

UPPER PERKIOMEN: Sarah Cleary, Girls Tennis

Pioneer Athletic Conference Fall 2020 All-Academic Teams

CHEERLEADING: Angelique Bauer (Boyertown), Emma Spinelli (Methacton), Kiersten Longworth (Owen J. Roberts), Madison Schweitzer (Perkiomen Valley), Carly Morris (Pottsgrove), Irena Naida (Upper Merion), Kelsie Kuhns (Upper Perkiomen)

BOYS CROSS COUNTRY: Eric Muthersbaugh (Boyertown), Charlie D’Orazio (Methacton), Joshua Dimarino (Owen J. Roberts), Daniel Hayman (Perkiomen Valley), Ryan McMorrow (Pottsgrove), Gregory Wedemeyer (Spring-Ford), Parker Edge (Upper Merion), Blandin Conklin (Upper Perkiomen)

GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY: Jenna Dumbrowsky (Boyertown), Maya Leber (Methacton), Emily Glasier (Owen J. Roberts), Delaney O’Sullivan (Perkiomen Valley), Naomi Hillen (Pottsgrove), Brooke Donoghue (Spring-Ford), Anna Fleisher (Upper Merion), Dana Meyer (Upper Perkiomen)

FIELD HOCKEY: Gabrielle Bingener (Boyertown), Alexa Kratz (Methacton), Makenna McCourt (Owen J. Roberts), Marie Lindberger (Perkiomen Valley), Justine Fretz (Pottsgrove), Sophia DiBattista (Spring-Ford), Anandeep Singh (Upper Merion), Colleen Creneti (Upper Perkiomen)

FOOTBALL: Noah Segal (Boyertown), Justin Gumienny (Methacton), Ethan Eckerdt (Owen J. Roberts), Dylan Crothers (Perkiomen Valley), Ethan McHugh (Pottsgrove), Joshua Hellauer (Spring-Ford), Keith Boyle (Upper Merion), Hunter Flack (Upper Perkiomen)

BOYS GOLF: Carmen Rosselli (Boyertown), Colin Meyer (Methacton), Aidan Rindfuss (Owen J. Roberts), Griffin Kilgore (Perkiomen Valley), Steven Rinda (Pottsgrove), Luke Watson (Spring-Ford), Justin Kravitz (Upper Merion), Robert Carpenter (Upper Perkiomen)

GIRLS GOLF: Victoria Hurley (Boyertown), Cerise Walker (Methacton), Maya Fulmer (Perkiomen Valley), Brynn Borzillo (Spring-Ford), Amanda Schuebel (Upper Merion)

BOYS SOCCER: Matthew Kerr & Joshua Torrens (Boyertown), Zach Stevenson (Methacton), Julian Funaro (Owen J. Roberts), John Busedu III (Perkiomen Valley), James Thompson (Pottsgrove), Ryan Miller (Spring-Ford), Jason Vo (Upper Merion), Lucas Carpenter (Upper Perkiomen)

GIRLS SOCCER: Samantha Goffice (Boyertown), Mairi Smith (Methacton), Emily Sands (Owen J. Roberts), Megan Freid (Perkiomen Valley), Alexis Zook (Pottsgrove), Molly Thomas (Spring-Ford), Riley Eaton (Upper Merion), Emily Schaut (Upper Perkiomen)

GIRLS TENNIS: Natalie Zaleski (Boyertown), Alice Liang (Methacton), Kendall Obara (Owen J. Roberts), Jayden Lichtenstein (Perkiomen Valley), Lacey Irvin (Pottsgrove), Alyssa Sharma (Spring-Ford), Razeen Akbar (Upper Merion), Krysta Leh (Upper Perkiomen)

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL: Emma Ludwig (Boyertown), Allison Hazlett (Methacton), Jessica Taney (Owen J. Roberts), Isabel Clauhs (Perkiomen Valley), Sydney Mowery (Pottsgrove), Anushika Matta (Spring-Ford), Anika Vilivalam (Upper Merion)

Maggie Forbes, Strath Haven

Maya Masotti, Lower Merion

Awards

Champion: Lower Merion
Most Valuable Players: Maggie Forbes (Strath Haven), Maya Masotti (Lower Merion)
Coach of the Year: Kevin Ries (Lower Merion)
Sportsmanship Award: Garnet Valley
Sportsmanship 2nd: Harriton
Sportsmanship 3rd: Strath Haven

First Team

Maggie Forbes, senior, Strath Haven
Maya Masotti, senior, Lower Merion
Kara Mullaney, senior, Penncrest
Brooke Snopkowski, senior, Haverford
Carlie Shiller, senior, Garnet Valley
Abby Klebe, junior, Conestoga
Katie Mason, senior, Ridley
Elly Slensky, sophomore, Lower Merion
Reese Henderson, senior, Conestoga
Sophia Hubbard, senior, Radnor
Noelle Lehrman, senior, Marple Newtown
GK: Audrey Brown, senior, Lower Merion

Second Team

Emily Daiutolo, junior, Radnor
Sophie Koziol, senior, Conestoga
Casey O’Connor, senior, Springfield
Ashley Wald, senior, Harriton
Alyssa Wert, junior, Garnet Valley
Carly Walters, junior, Springfield
Ellie Malek, senior, Strath Haven
Praise Watson, senior, Upper Darby
Roberta Moger, junior, Lower Merion
Taryn Tagtmeir, sophomore, Penncrest
GK: Caroline Klaiber, senior, Conestoga

Honorable Mention

Conestoga: Kristi Dirico, Haleigh Wintersteen
Garnet Valley: Maddie Kalish, Mia Zebley
Harriton: Alexandra Calhoun, Emma Mouread
Haverford: Mackenzie Lacey, Jessica Miller
Lower Merion: Hannah Blodget, Ellie Ward
Marple Newtown: Anna Gries, Amanda Boppell
Penncrest: Gina Facciola, Shayna Polsky
Radnor: Kate Boujoukos, Jane Daiutolo
Ridley: Ericka Kitzinger, Sydney Verlinghieri
Springfield: Olivia Gutowski, Caroline Walters
Strath Haven: Danielle McNeely, Grace Samaha
Upper Darby: Moira Penot, Emma Scouten

First Team

F: Ally McVey, junior, Spring-Ford
F: Alexa Vogelman, sophomore, Owen J. Roberts
M: Hope Flanegin, senior, Spring-Ford
M: Kyra Lesko, sophomore, Upper Perkiomen
M: Molly Thomas, senior, Spring-Ford
D: Liv Curry, junior, Spring-Ford 
D: Jess Lineen, senior, Methacton
D: Mikayla Moyer, senior, Boyertown
D: Emily Sands, senior, Owen J. Roberts
D: Morgan Weaver, junior, Owen J. Roberts
G: Riley Hill, senior, Perkiomen Valley

Second Team

F: Samantha Devlin, sophomore, Boyertown
F: Julia McCann, senior, Methacton
M: Sarah Kopec, senior, Owen J. Roberts
M: Gabby Koury, sophomore, Owen J. Roberts
M: Reese Kershner, junior, Spring-Ford
M: Maddie Zielke, senior, Perkiomen Valley
D: Kate Cairns, senior, Upper Perkiomen
D: Lizzie McNichol, junior, Methacton
D: Mo O’Donnell, sophomore, Spring-Ford
D: Emma Stankunas, sophomore, Perkiomen Valley
G: Riley Wallace, senior, Spring-Ford

Honorable Mention

Boyertown: Courtney Actis, Samantha Goffice, Kayley Mattis
Daniel Boone: Nicole Brown, Nylah Cody, Lily Ferguson, Hailey Kaba
Methacton: Ruby Murray, Kirsten O’Brien, Molly Rowland, Mairi Smith
Owen J. Roberts: Avery White, Sabrina Marks, Olivia Thompson
Phoenixville: Ava Labik, Alex Perrotto, Natalie White
Pope John Paul II: Erin Flanagan, Lauryn Rezza, Julia Hull, Cameron Schuler
Pottsgrove: Avery Makoid, Lexi Zook
Pottstown: Zoe Earle, Julianna Figueroa, Yasmin Paez
Perkiomen Valley: Mackenzie Patla, Rylie Pinkerton, Cate Schoeniger
Spring-Ford: Emily Higgins, Caitlin Norwood
Upper Perkiomen: Lauren Powers, Sarah Fisher

Coach of the Year

Tim Raub, Spring-Ford

Liv Curry sat in the stands the previous two falls watching a Spring-Ford girls soccer team she wished she could be a part of.

It wasn’t for lack of ability. Her soccer journey was just on a different path.

As a Spring-Ford freshman and sophomore, the closest Curry came was watching older sister Ella and the Rams, finding a lot to love about the fan support, the lights, the atmosphere … things her soccer experience lacked.

Curry’s soccer journey was spent her first two years of high school playing on the U.S. Soccer Development Academy team of club Penn Fusion.

Participation in the USSDA was the top playing opportunity for top male and female soccer players in the region and country. It also meant, with practices four days a week and games on the weekend, those student-athletes had to choose between the higher competition and recruitment opportunities of the DA versus the camaraderie and community of high school soccer.

DA play was right for Curry and her aspirations, but it wasn’t without conflict.

Mercury All-Area: Girls Soccer Teams

Owen J. Roberts’ Alexa Vogelman carries the ball against the defense of Spring-Ford’s Olivia Curry. (Austin Hertzog – MediaNews Group)

“I think I knew I was making the right choice based on the fact that I wasn’t committed, which was my main priority because I wanted to play soccer in college,” Curry said. “At that point I felt that it was the best place to stay. But coming to (Spring-Ford) games and seeing the amount of fans that were there – it’s a lot more rowdy and you get that feeling – I always thought that would be really cool.”

Curry’s academy decision was rewarded when she committed to Big Ten school Wisconsin in April 2019.

A year later, the decision was no longer hers to make.

A month into the pandemic shutdown, U.S. Soccer announced it would end the operation of the Development Academy, concluding a chapter in the careers of many top soccer players in the country, including Curry.

“It was sad because DA was like my whole life because we couldn’t do high school soccer. It was literally all year round,” said Curry, who still plays club with Penn Fusion’s ‘04 academy team. “But at the same time, now I can actually experience high school (soccer). (The feeling) wasn’t quite happy, but now I can have a new chapter where I have both high school and club at the same time.”

True to character, Curry took on her new opportunity – competing with the Spring-Ford girls soccer team for the first time – with a smile on her face.

The junior center back showed her quality from the moment she stepped on the field and helped the resurgent Rams concede only 10 goals in a 13-2-1 season that featured a share of the Pioneer Athletic Conference championship (with Owen J. Roberts) and a trip to the District 1 Class 4A championship game, the deepest district run for the program since 2017. In addition to selection to the Pa. Soccer Coaches Association All-State team, Curry is the Mercury All-Area Girls Soccer Player of the Year.

Spring-Ford’s Liv Curry makes a quick stop on the ball as Downingtown East’s Taylor Weist defends. (Austin Hertzog – MediaNews Group)

Curry was one of three DA players joining Spring-Ford (alongside junior Reese Kershner and sophomore Mo O’Donnell) this fall and she was grateful at how quickly they were embraced by existing team members.

“I knew everyone, but at first I didn’t know how they were going to react because I hadn’t been there the past few years. But everyone was so welcoming,” Curry said.

“I feel like everyone was so close and we all had the same goals of wanting to get far in the season, which we did.”

Curry exhibits a lack of ego in personality and play, a trait reminiscent of older sister Ella, a 2020 Spring-Ford grad and two-time All-Area first team pick who moved on to play at the University of Massachusetts

“My dad (Chuck) played soccer in college and we’ve always looked up to him in that way,” Liv said. “We’ve always thought of it like there’s always some way to improve. No matter what happens, there’s some ways to improve.

“This is a team sport. It’s not about me, it’s about the team. With my teammates around me, I want to help them do better. You can’t win with one person, you have to win as a team.”

Curry isn’t the prototypical Division I center back: she’s not physically imposing, but makes up for it with superb one-on-one defensive ability, great closing speed, calm and craft on the ball and superior instincts.

She was a midfielder earlier in her career but quickly found she loved the stakes of being a defender.

“I love the feeling when I’m the last defender and I get to shut people down. When I’m in the back my mentality is that I can’t let anyone by me. If someone gets by me I feel like, now I have to get back and not let them shoot,” she said.

“From the back you have the vision of the entire field. I get to see everything and everyone. That’s why I feel like I can get forward sometimes because I’m able to see everything. Between that and being able to shut people down, I feel like that’s what clicked.”

Spring-Ford junior Liv Curry, 2020 Mercury All-Area Girls Soccer Player of the Year. (Austin Hertzog – MediaNews Group)

Also new to Spring-Ford this fall was first-year head coach Tim Raub. He’d heard of Curry’s ability but did not meet her until just before preseason.

He quickly found what others have: looks can deceive.

“When I heard ‘Division 1 center back going to Wisconsin’ I was expecting this 6-foot tall brick house. And she comes in and she’s this little back. How she’s going to play at Wisconsin? And then she stepped on the field and I said, ‘Oh, now I see,’” Raub said.

“She’s small for a center back, but she plays so big. She’s a good, fun loving kid and being around her you don’t get that she’s this hardline, get-at-it, constantly serious Division 1 kid. She’s a fun kid. And then she steps on the field and this light switch goes on and it’s time to get the business.”

With accomplished leaders in All-Area first team senior midfielders Hope Flanegin and Molly Thomas already in place, Curry didn’t have to be an instant leader. She could instead just focus on playing her role for the team.

“We had such great, knowledgeable captains that she was able to step in and play a role and not have to put the whole team on her shoulders,” Raub said. “We always gave her an individual responsibility going into games. Our goal to her every game was, ‘This is their forward, go demoralize her for 80 minutes.’ (With Curry stopping) the opposing forward the rest of the game will work itself out because we have enough talent to handle it.”

Spring-Ford’s season was defined by its rivalry with Owen J. Roberts. The teams split in the regular season and settled to share the PAC championship. They met for a decisive showdown in the District 1 quarterfinals. With Curry leading the defensive charge alongside back four mates Caitlin Norwood, Raven Wellington and O’Donnell and goalkeeper Riley Wallace, the Rams kept the Wildcats off the scoreboard for more than 100 minutes and won in double overtime 1-0.

“Our third OJR game, in districts, that was a really big booster for us,” Curry said. “That was our PAC championship basically. Beating them, it made everyone want to win even more, it was like, we beat them, we made it this far, now we have to continue.”

Clean sheets were the order of the day in the Rams’ run to the district final with three straight shutouts, including a 1-0 win over No. 1 seed Downingtown East.

The Rams’ run ended on the turf of eventual PIAA 4A champion Pennridge in a 2-0 defeat on Nov. 13. Though it didn’t reach the PIAA tournament like a traditional season due to the pandemic-altered champions-only postseason, Spring-Ford made the most of its season.

There’s only one thing Curry might change, but she’s found a silver lining.

“If it had been a year sooner that the DA stopped I could have played with my sister, but at least I got this year, and next year, too,” Curry said. “I can’t complain about that.”

With plenty of time to think over a pandemic summer, Maggie Forbes kept returning to one thought.

What if, without knowing it, the 2019 Daily Times Girls Soccer Player of the Year had played her final game of soccer?

When Forbes walked off the field at Ramp Playground in November 2019, Strath Haven having lost to Archbishop Ryan in its first trip to the PIAA tournament since 2012, SARS-CoV-2 was nothing more than a peculiar virus infecting unstudied mammals in some remote forest. Forbes wasn’t yet sure what college would hold, though she likely had an inkling that she was destined to follow in the footsteps of two older sisters running track at Rice University. But she never would’ve suspected that she had played her final game as a Strath Haven soccer player.

Months later, that fear grew profound, to the point of certainty. So whatever Forbes would take from the season ripped from the jaws of cancellation would be an unqualified positive.

“It was the thing that kept me going, and I know all my teammates were happy to have a season,” Forbes said. “For us seniors, we got a way to finalize the past three years, past four years of our high school experience. … Being able to have the chance to play one more time was just amazing.”

The Panthers didn’t have the season they expected, a 3-4-2 record and the seventh seed in the Central League for a team ravaged by injuries. But Forbes’ production didn’t dim. Even as she shuttled all over the field to fill needs in Haven’s injury whack-a-mole, in central midfield and at forward, she remained the usually potent threat that earned Player of the Year recognition last year.

Garnet Valley goalie Kayleigh Saboja corrals a save in the second half as Lower Merion’s Maya Masotti applies pressure Thursday. (Pete Bannan/MediaNews Group)

With seven goals and six assists, Forbes was voted All-Central co-player of the year by coaches, sharing the honor with Maya Masotti of league champion Lower Merion.

For all the waiting, the feared postponement, the back and forth, Forbes found the positives of quickly adapting to a shortened preseason and league-only season with her usual upbeat personality.

“It was an interesting start, getting out there as a team, but we figured it out,” she said. “It was a learning experience, but I definitely think it’ll help the future teams. I think it was fun to have a curveball and learn to adapt quickly to things.”

One wrinkle, in a nod to her future, was Forbes’ double duty: In addition to soccer, Forbes also led the Haven cross country team. She finished fourth at the Central League championships, highest among the Panthers, in 20 minutes, 49.5 seconds, en route to the team title.

Forbes will compete on the track next year at Rice, where older sisters Maddie and Grace have carved successful careers.

“It was an extra thing,” Forbes said. “It kept me going. It was pretty busy sometimes, but I wouldn’t change it. It was a fun experience to run for times and help with my college experience, but also I wouldn’t ever give up my high school soccer season for the world. That’s the most important thing for me. I was very, very excited to be able to do both.”

Lower Merion fulfilled the promise of its talented senior class by winning a Central League title several years in the making. Masotti led the way, with 12 goals and four assists in 12 games. A midfielder by trade, the UMass commit did a little of everything in the attack, and her MVP award culminates three All-Central accolades.

At the other end of the field was Andrey Brown, the University of Cincinnati-bound goalie who allowed just 0.37 goals per game, keeping clean sheets in seven of 12 outings. A superlative shot-stopper, the two-time All-Central goalie is a vocal leader and contributed dangerous set-piece delivery.

Despite the attention garnered by Masotti and Brown, sophomore midfielder Elly Slensky provided arguably the biggest moment of the season, a sublime volley in overtime of the Central League semifinal against Garnet Valley. Slensky tallied three goals and three assists on the season. She’s one of only two underclassmen on the first team.

Slensky’s goal ended the career of Garnet Valley’s Carlie Shiller, a four-year starter and All-Delco last fall. She was the team’s leading scorer each of the last three seasons after starting as a defensive central midfielder her freshman year. She had 22 goals and 10 assists for the Jags, including seven goals and three assists this season. The captain stepped up in big moments, like providing the game-tying goal with 30 seconds left against Conestoga.

Shiller will continue her career at Ursinus. The Jaguars won the league’s sportsmanship award.

Shiller was joined on the All-Delco team last fall by Haverford defender Brooke Snopkowski, who added a second straight All-Central honor. From a sophomore outside back on the Fords team that went deep in districts, Snopkowski has grown into a commanding center back. In 48 games with Snopkowski the last three years, according to coach Jeff Jackson, the Fords have kept 19 clean sheets and allowed 1.1 goals per game. Snopkowski also supplied three assists this season. She’ll play at Wilkes University.

Conestoga placed two on the All-Central first team. Junior forward Abby Klebe scored 12 goals to go with two assists in her first season on varsity. Senior defender Reese Henderson led a backline that allowed eight goals and kept six clean sheets, capping a career that started as a freshman contributor and through three league titles and two state tournament appearances. The Pioneers finished second in the league with a 6-1-2 mark before being upset by Radnor in the semifinals.

Sophia Hubbard was at the forefront of that effort for Radnor in central defense. She played nearly every minute, even as injuries befell those around her, providing steady leadership and stellar one-v-one defending for the league finalist.

Most of the league’s top defenders came from the Delco contingent. Ridley’s Katie Mason is a two-year captain and three-year starter. She provided two assists, led the team in minutes played (even through an injury) and marshaled a young unit with her leadership and one-v-one defending.

Noelle Lehrman had a similarly huge influence for Marple Newtown. Though they went 2-6-1, the Tigers beat Radnor and pushed Lower Merion, Haverford and Penncrest to overtime. Lehrman was a big reason, covering ground as the backline stopper and leading the Tigers in minutes.

Penncrest’s Kara Mullaney caps four years of contributions with an All-Central nod. The Lions’ top scorer as a sophomore and junior, adopted a more stay-at-home midfield role. Short on goals, Penncrest still rode its stability in the middle of the pitch to a 3-1-4 mark and the fourth seed in the playoffs.

All-Central Girls Soccer

First Team

Maggie Forbes, Sr., Strath Haven (Co-MVP)
Maya Masotti, Sr., Lower Merion (Co-MVP)
Kara Mullaney, Sr., Penncrest
Brooke Snopkowski, Sr., Haverford
Carlie Shiller, Sr., Garnet Valley
Abby Klebe, Jr., Conestoga
Katie Mason, Sr., Ridley
Elly Slensky, So., Lower Merion
Reese Henderson, Sr., Conestoga
Sophia Hubbard, Sr., Radnor
Noelle Lehrman, Sr., Marple Newtown
Audrey Brown, Sr., Lower Merion

Second Team

Emily Daiutolo, Jr., Radnor
Sophie Koziol, Sr., Conestoga
Casey O’Connor, Sr., Springfield
Ashley Wald, Sr., Harriton
Alyssa Wert, Jr., Garnet Valley
Carly Walters, Jr., Springfield
Ellie Malek, Sr., Strath Haven
Praise Watson, Sr., Upper Darby
Roberta Moger, Jr., Lower Merion
Taryn Tagtmeir, So., Penncrest
Caroline Klaiber, Sr., Conestoga

Honorable Mention

Kristi Dirico, Sr., Conestoga
Haleigh Wintersteen, Jr., Conestoga
Maddie Kalish, Sr., Garnet Valley
Mia Zebley, So., Garnet Valley
Alexandra Calhoun, Sr., Harriton
Emma Mouread, Fr., Harriton
Mackenzie Lacey, Jr., Haverford
Jessica Miller, Sr., Haverford
Hannah Blodget, Sr., Lower Merion
Ellie Ward, Sr., Lower Merion
Anna Gries, Sr., Marple Newtown
Amanda Boppell, Sr., Marple Newtown
Gina Facciola, Jr., Penncrest
Shayna Polsky, Sr., Penncrest
Kate Boujoukos, Jr., Radnor
Jane Daiutolo, Jr., Radnor
Ericka Kitzinger, Sr., Ridley
Sydney Verlinghieri, Sr., Ridley
Oilivia Gutowski, Fr., Springfield
Caroline Walters, Jr., Springfield
Danielle McNeely, Sr., Strath Haven
Grace Samaha, Sr., Strath Haven
Moira Penot, Jr., Upper Darby
Emma Scouten, Sr., Upper Darby

Were this a normal year, Nicollette Cashin could imagine the excitement in the halls of Archbishop Carroll during the fall.

Girls volleyball: In the state tournament.

Girls soccer: In states, for the first time in program history.

Field hockey: Not just in states but in a state final, a first for Carroll and for District 12 in the sport.

Football: In states, after Neumann-Goretti tested positive for COVID-19 and had to withdraw, but even able to win a game over New Hope-Solebury.

Were it a normal year with that level of athletic accomplishment, the buzz would’ve been palpable. But in the era of COVID-19, with hybrid schooling and no more than half the student body trekking to Matsonford Road each day, imagination was all Cashin, the soccer team’s senior goalie, was left with.

Archbishop Carroll’s Julia Kingsbury, right, battles Southern Lehigh’s Zoey Rittner in the second half Tuesday. Carroll won 2-0 in the state semifinal game. (PETE BANNAN – MEDIANEWS GROUP)

In their own ways, uniquely so in a year that has been so unique, Carroll’s athletic community made the best of it.

“When we were in school, the school did try their best to make every team feel like they’ve accomplished everything and give us our spotlight for the time being and give us the recognition we deserved,” Cashin said recently. “They wanted each team to feel special in their own way, so they made sure that happened. I definitely wish we could’ve been in the school all together, but due to COVID, we had to make do with what we got.”

The recognition came after the season, too. Cashin was one of the three Patriots on the All-Catholic League first team, as chosen by league coaches. She was joined by forwards Keri Barnett and Kiley Mottice, the high-scoring axis that Cashin credits with taking the team to the next level.

Cashin led the way at the back, a multi-year starter who used years of experience to lead Carroll into uncharted program territory. In 11 games, Cashin allowed just 11 goals and made 67 saves, helping the Patriots to an 8-3 record.

For two of the four states-bound Carroll teams, the stay was brief, with PIAA tournaments permitting only district champions. The volleyball team was swept out of its opener of the PIAA Class 4A tournament by Unionville, which would reach the state final. The Patriots put three players on the All-Catholic volleyball first team – Meghan McCann (an All-Delco in 2018), Ava Adams and Erin Matthews.

The girls soccer team made the trip to Mechanicsburg and was dealt a 4-0 loss by District 3 champion and traditional powerhouse Cumberland Valley. Though not the end they envisioned, it didn’t dampen what they had accomplished.

“It was nerve-wracking, but after a few games and getting into the swing of things and us just playing outstanding and the team finally playing together, it was so good,” Cashin said. “Especially senior year, making that such a big accomplishment, it was definitely one of the best feelings.”

The field hockey squad placed four on the first team All-Catholic. Carleigh Conners, a James Madison signee, was the standout in midfield, an imposing, do-everything player who controlled both phases of the game. She scored four goals and added four assists.

Speedy forward Julia Kingsbury, freshman attack mate Sienna Golden (who scored the goal in the state final) and senior goalie Courtney Keith were the others. Kingsbury tallied 11 goals and three assists in 12 games. Golden added seven goals and two helpers. Keith made 61 saves and allowed just eight goals on the season.

Four seniors saw action in the state final, led by Keith and Conners. But the youth in the side, epitomized by Kingsbury and Golden, show how much promise remains for the future.

“I just think it gives a pep start to Carroll,” Conners said after the state final. “It increases the student-athletes coming into Carroll. … I just really think this is the start to Carroll field hockey. We’re going to be here again.”

Cashin hopes this season’s soccer success set down a similar marker. Cashin expects it’ll take time for next year’s team to grown and stake out its roles in this way this year’s Patriots did. But the talent is there.

So too, thanks to players like her, is the pathway forward.

“They’re going to have to work their way up to find different parts that are missing again and it’s probably going to be another slow building process,” Cashin said. “I think they’re going to get there quickly because there are so many freshmen that are doing phenomenal and growing and I know the juniors that are going to be upcoming seniors are going to be great leaders. They just need to find a few key parts, but the expectations will definitely still be there.”

Full list of All-Catholic honorees

The junior forward was the second-leading scorer for the undefeated Central League champion Aces (12-0), tallying seven goals and dishing out five assists despite battling an ankle injury this past fall. She received second team All-Main Line honors as well as All-Central League honors. Lower Merion girls’ soccer head coach Kevin Ries said, “Hannah is a dangerous attacker that has a knack of scoring goals. She is a tough, fast goal scorer that finds her way into the box. She makes the other forwards better by breaking down the other team’s backline.” Off the pitch at Lower Merion, Blodget is a representative of the Council for Racial Equity and Inclusivity (CREI), and a member of Asian Culture Club, BuildOn and American Sign Language Club.

Lower Merion’s Hannah Blodget in game action.

Q: What is your favorite memory of the 2020 Lower Merion girls’ soccer season?

A: Seeing our keeper Audrey Brown scoring the defining goal in the Central League championship final. Not only was it “magisterial,” it exemplified the complete contribution of every player on our team.

Q: You played academy soccer as a freshman and sophomore before coming to Lower Merion for your junior year. Tell us a little about your experience in academy soccer, and compare it to playing for Lower Merion.

A: The academy systems of Players Development Academy (PDA) and PA Classics reinforced the integral importance of each position on the field, and kept creation at the forefront. Penn Fusion’s collaborative coaching staff offers varied perspectives. As for coming to Lower Merion, while Development Academy teammates often rotate, playing for your community alongside lifelong friends is a heartfelt experience.

Q: What do you think was the biggest key to your productive scoring this fall?

A: As far as goal scoring, I finished opportunities when they were given. The true gratification and overall weight are in the chances created for others.

Q: Tell us a little about your soccer training since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. What have you found to be the biggest challenge to your training during the pandemic, and how did you handle that?

A: Daily touches, rowing, weightlifting, and follow up with game film were paramount. Securing field space and consistent game play were the biggest obstacles. Arranging pickup games to maintain timing proved to solve the issue. 

Q: Tell us a little about your start in soccer. Have you always played forward? Who have been your biggest soccer mentors, and what were the most important things you learned from each one?

A: I began as a center forward, but found my real talent and opportunity lay at left wing. My first coach, Nico Severini, taught me the Argentine style of play, love for the game, and understanding who I was as a player. At PDA, Glenn Nellins improved my speed of play, decision making, skill set, selflessness, refinement, and composure through multiple formations in the English style of play. At PA Classics, Todd Wawrousek provided a platform for creativity, versatility, tactical awareness, leadership, and exposure within a higher age group.

Q: What do you think is the strongest aspect of your game?

A: The ability to read the field and execute the best tactical choice at an accelerated pace.

Q: What part of your game are you working on the most currently?

A: Currently, I’m working on revising the variations in my runs.

Q: Tell us a little about your pre-game preparation the day of a game.

A: The night before a game entails meticulous bag packing, assessment of my game objectives, and reviewing opponent game film if available.  The morning of game day consists of yoga and meditation to help establish a composed mindset for the game. Eating one large carb-heavy breakfast with a banana an hour before I leave is followed by a game playlist, which is my source of inspiration.

Q: You wear jersey No. 11 for Lower Merion soccer. Why did you pick this number?

A: I chose No. 11 to represent my placement on the field true to standard positioning.

Q: What is your favorite course at Lower Merion? What do you think you might want to major in at college? Is there a career field that particularly interests you at the present time?

A: My favorite course offered by far was AP Psychology, hence what I want to major in. I want to be a profiler.

Fun facts – Hannah Blodget

Favorite book: And Then There Were None.

Favorite author: Elmore Leonard.

Favorite TV show: Law and Order.

Favorite movie: Now You See Me.

Favorite athlete: Willian.

Favorite pre-game pump-up song: Triumph by Pitbull.

Favorite team: Tottenham Hotspurs.

Favorite place to visit: 9th Arrondissement of Paris.

Favorite pre-game meal: Power grain bowl with grilled chicken from Zoë’s Kitchen.

Person I most admire, and why: “Crystal Dunn – I admire her tenacity and analytical skills.”

Family members: parents Kyle and Danielle, brother Noah.

(To be selected as Main Line Girls Athlete of the Week, a student-athlete must first be nominated by her coach.)

The progress that Chiara Robinson and her Sun Valley soccer teammates had built ground to an abrupt halt in mid-September.

The Ches-Mont League decided then that the fall season wouldn’t proceed in 2020, and Robinson thought her senior season would be postponed until the spring at best, imperiled altogether at worst, by the COVID-19 pandemic. With that, and with school returned to remote learning and preseason workouts halted, it wasn’t easy to break the inertia weeks later when the Ches-Mont reversed course.

Quickly, Robinson and her teammates went from no season to no preseason, and while the adjustment wasn’t easy, it was much preferable to the fates of just a few weeks before.

“I’m very, very thankful, especially with everything that’s going on with winter sports in high school,” Robinson said last week. “A lot of people are getting their seasons taken away, and I feel really bad for the seniors, specifically. I’m very appreciative that me being a senior, I got my senior night, even if it wasn’t the same as other people have gotten in previous years. But I’m extremely grateful that we got to have that this year.”

The stop-start nature of the fall was one of many challenges for Robinson, an All-Delco forward as a junior. With the disruption of formal practices and the lack of a preseason, much of the early schedule served as delayed preparation for the Vanguards, who snuck in eight games with a 3-4-1 record.

Robinson’s performance didn’t dim, scoring six goals in eight outings. She was selected to the first team All-Ches-Mont League in the American Division. Among the non-football sports, only Robinson and volleyball player Kristine Guenther were first-team selections from Sun Valley, Guenther leading the Vanguards to a 6-3 mark and the ninth seed in the District 1 Class 4A tournament. Ten Vanguards were named to the All-Ches-Mont football squad.

In a challenging league, every day of preseason preparation is valuable, especially at a school like Sun Valley that features precious few club players and a plethora of multi-sport athletes who have to get into the soccer mindset each autumn. Part of Robinson’s leadership as a senior wasn’t just on-field but in the preparation phase, trying to get teammates into a conditioning and practice routine that would approximate group sessions even if they couldn’t be together.

“It was more like, is this going to happen, is this not,” Robinson said. “We found out just before preseason that we weren’t going to play at all, so then the preseason got cancelled and everyone didn’t really run and get ready to play during the preseason. … I would say the most challenging part was fitness and being prepared for the season because it was so quickly jumped into.”

Robinson felt that push-pull herself. She also runs track, a campaign that was cancelled in the spring. She’s gotten used to a calendar of late-summer preseasons in her high school career to sharpen her game and fine-tune conditioning. But working alone with the ball isn’t the same as being able to train as a team, and the same motivation she was modeling for teammates was something she admitted to struggling with at times for herself.

Sun Valley also navigated a coaching change, with longtime head man Chris Lambert stepping down after last year, replaced by former assistant Roman Coia. That, Robinson said, was an expected wrinkle that veterans were prepared for and went relatively smoothly.

Luckily, Robinson was ahead of the game on the college front. Before her junior year – before COVID-19 was even identified – Robinson committed to the University of Mount Olive in North Carolina. The campus was a fit for her, and the chance to play Division II soccer fit her aspirations and ability well.

She now sees college coaches scrambling, trying to recruit players that have lost entire seasons on the field and juggling who is or isn’t using extra years of eligibility. Robinson counts herself fortunate to be above that fray, her future solidified.

“I loved that I committed so early,” she said. “… I’m glad that I committed so early because I got to go and visit the college, go and meet the coach, make sure that everything was set up for me to be the most successful with soccer that I could be.”

Sun Valley All-Ches-Mont Selections

Boys Soccer

Second Team: Chase Segool
Honorable Mention: John Nolek, Bobbo Chambers

Girls Soccer

First Team: Chiara Robinson
Second Team: Jaina Preuhs
Honorable Mention: Samantha Hoy

Field Hockey

Second Team: Maya Trader, Danielle Gavlishin
Honorable Mention: Lana Buerklin

Volleyball

First Team: Kristine Guenther
Second Team: Gianna Ellis, Jordan Thompson
Honorable Mention: Alexa Timlin, Kylie Shetter

Golf

Honorable Mention: Bernie Seasock III

Football

Antonio Rivera, WR/CB
Tyler McLaughlin, LB/QB/FB
Jacob Steinmetz, DL/OL
Johnny O’Neil, CB/WR
Rob Powell, DL/FB
Jake Crowder, OL/DL
Matty Holmes, OL
Sean Stone, OLB/FB
Cameron Madison, DL
Kevin Mayoros, FS/QB/WR

Just one year ago, Abby Klebe sat alongside her junior varsity teammates and watched Conestoga’s varsity team fall one goal short — in double overtime, no less — in the state championship game to end the 2019 season.

As a talented sophomore, Klebe knew she could compete at the varsity level, but understood there was a talent-heavy group of upperclassmen ahead of her.

Conestoga’s Abby Klebe had 12 goals and two assists in just 12 games for the Pioneers. (PETE BANNAN – MNG)

So when the 2020 season finally began, after a long COVID-related delay with plenty of caveats, the junior took full advantage of the opening, and immediately established herself as a threat to opposing defenses.

Klebe tallied 12 goals and two assists in just 12 games against usually strong Central League opposition. She did it all as a junior playing her first season on the varsity roster, and finished it off by earning Daily Local News All-Area Girls Soccer Player of the Year honors.

“I think the preparation of being on JV-A definitely helped,” said Klebe. “I have really big shoes to fill. I tried my best this season to be a replacement for what we had last season. I noticed right away the intensity was a lot higher so it was a bit of an adjustment, but it was definitely good for my skills.”

When you suit up in the maroon and white of Conestoga, you know competition for a starting spot will be tough. Klebe was forced to be patient, as two Division I players sat above her on the depth chart: Villanova’s Mac Coleman and 2019 DLN All-Area Player of the Year Caitlin Donovan (La Salle) sat above her on the depth chart.

“It was a problem with having too much talent available.” said Conestoga head coach Ben Wilson. “Just to give Abby more playing time, we kept her down a few years, so that when she came up she could just completely take over for those players when they were gone. Luckily that came true.”

Conestoga’s Abby Klebe is the Daily Local News 2020 All-Area Girls Soccer Player of the Year. (PETE BANNAN – MNG)

In the offseason, Klebe runs track, and it shows on the soccer field. Her speed sets her apart as a competitor, and coupled with her talent as a finisher, she’s a force to be reckoned with on the offensive end.

“My speed is a huge strength,” Klebe said. “A lot of the time I’m able to beat defenders just by chasing a ball.”

Her arsenal of skills doesn’t end there. Klebe’s new starting position brought about a sense of leadership.

“Her intensity, speed, and aggressiveness are what makes her stand out as a leader to the rest of the team,” Wilson said. “The way she plays just fires everyone else up to want to press and attack more.”

The camaraderie and competition of soccer meant even more to Klebe this season. Not only did she find great success, but she says it was a crucial outlet after long days of virtual school.

“We’re home all day, doing school trapped in our room,” Klebe said. “Just to get outside and run around with some girls I’m so close to was so much fun.”

Looking ahead, Klebe has ambitious goals for herself and the team, after finishing the season 7-3-1. Due to the Central League’s late start with COVID-19, all members opted out of district and state play.

“We’re going to try to get to states, and hopefully win,” Klebe said. “I think we’re definitely ready. A lot of younger players are coming up from JV-A that I’m really excited to play with.”

Klebe offered some humble words of encouragement to younger players waiting on their own opportunity to finally take the field.

“It’ll come eventually,” Klebe said. “It’s a struggle waiting, but once it comes, it’s all worth the wait,” Klebe said.

FIRST TEAM >> Forwards

SARA DARLINGTON, Unionville, Sr.

A University of Pittsburgh recruit, Darlington scored nine goals and chipped in seven assists in just seven outings. She is a multi-year all-league selection. “Sara is one of most dangerous forwards in our league and is the only player I’ve seen in a while that was marked by two defensive players in most games,” said her coach Joe Ratasiewicz.

MAGGIE PETERSON, Great Valley, Jr.

The leading scorer for the Patriots, Peterson is a first-team all-league pick. “Maggie is very fast and skilled with the ball at her feet,” said Great Valley head coach Jennifer Michewicz. Peterson is a former academy player at Penn Fusion and was a big addition this fall for the Pats.

ALEX WILSON, Unionville, Sr.

A four-year starter, Wilson was once again an All-League pick. She scored four goals and dished out five assists in 2020. Unionville amassed a 40-4 overall record during her tenure. A forward, Wilson has committed to play collegiately at Franklin & Marshall. “Alex is the type of player that most coaches would want on their team,” said her coach Joe Ratasiewicz.

KAELYN WOLFE, Villa Maria, So.

An emerging star, Wolfe collected 11 goals (and four assists) in just 10 games in 2020. She was named an AACA All-Star and was the Hurricane’s offensive MVP. “Kaelyn is the complete package,” said her coach Gary Christopher. “Her pace with and without the ball is already elite. She is as technical of a player as any player in our area.”

FIRST TEAM >> Midfielders

AVA MINNIER, Downingtown West, Jr.

Minnier scored at least one goal in every game during the 2020 campaign. She is creative in the midfield as well as the offensive third of the field. “She was the single most dominant player in our league this year against us,” said Avon Grove coach Joe Herman. Her coach, Katelyn Phillips says she could be one of the best to ever play at West.

LAUREN REIMOLD, Downingtown East, Jr.

An attacking center midfielder, Reimold notched three goals and added four assists for the Cougars, who won the Ches-Mont crown and went 10-1 overall. “Lauren is physically tough and tactically astute,” said her coach Jason Luzak. “She is capable of quality first touches and making good decisions on the ball.”

HAYDEN WILSON, Unionville, Sr.

A first-team All-Ches-Mont midfielder, Wilson has been a starter every season since 2017. This fall she scored three goals and notched six assists in seven outings. “Hayden never complains and can play any position and always has a positive attitude,” Unionville head coach Joe Ratasiewicz said. “Like her twin sister she’s been a true standout from freshman to senior year.” She is also headed to Franklin & Marshall.

EMMA PELKOWSKI, W.C. RUSTIN, Sr.

An attacking midfielder, Pelkowski had seven points (five goals, two assists) in just nine outings for the Golden Knights. A first-team All-Ches-Mont American Division pick, she was a team captain and has committed to play collegiately at Virginia Tech. “Emma brought intensity and leadership on and off the field,” said Rustin coach Ashley Ainsworth. “Her incredible field vision and unmatched technical abilities placed her as our strongest player.”

LAUREN HATT, Coatesville, Sr.

Amassed seven goals and five assists in a shortened season, and a highlight was Hatt’s game-winning goal against Kennett. “Lauren is an incredibly smart and improvisational player,” said her coach Patrick Kinzeler. “She dominated her position in every game. Her balanced approach of intensity on the field and teaching off the field was pivotal in the development of our young program.”

FIRST TEAM >> Defenders

MADDIE MacDONALD, Avon Grove, Jr.

It was a shortened season, but the Red Devils gave up just two regular season goals, and a lot of the credit goes to MacDonald. The defensive midfielder organized and anchored the Avon Grove backline, and the Devils went 6-1-1 to finish in second place in the Ches-Mont. “She was often tasked with defending the opposing team’s top playmaker and then starting the attack once we won the ball,” said her coach Joe Herman. “She also added a goal and an assist. They don’t make them any tougher than Maddie Mac.”

AMANDA MAXSON, W.C. East, Sr.

A Division I college prospect, Maxson was the Vikings ‘rock’ on defense. “She was the main reason why our team kept the score so close to teams that were (on paper) much stronger,” said her coach Shannon Mueller. “She has speed, vision, and excellent awareness on all aspects of the game.” Maxson played for the Developmental Academy on Penn Fusion Soccer Academy for three years.

BRIDGET RILEY, Downingtown East, Sr.

Anchored a defense that allowed just five goals all season, including seven shutouts for the Ches-Mont champs. Riley was a captain and one of two seniors who attended all optional training sessions throughout the summer months. “Bridget is dominant in the air and a leader on and off the field,” said East coach Jason Luzak. Riley chipped in an assist in 2020.

REESE HENDERSON, Conestoga, Sr.

Was the top defender on a defense that registered six shutouts and allowed just eight goals in 12 games this fall. Henderson is a first-team All-Central League selection. “She has been a starter in our backline since she was a freshman.” In that span, ’Stoga won three league titles and a district crown, and made three PIAA Tournament appearances.

FIRST TEAM >> Goalkeeper

KENNEDY STARK, W.C. Henderson, So.

An up-and-coming standout in goal, Stark averaged nearly five saves per match and recorded three clean sheets during an abridged season. Despite the Warriors’ 3-4 record, Stark surrendered 10 total goals, including just four in the final five outings. She was a first-team All-Ches-Mont National pick.

SECOND TEAM

AVA RIGHTMIRE, Downingtown West, So.

MARY KING, W.C. Henderson, Sr.

KAITLIN CABAN, Great Valley, Jr.

BAILEY HORVATH, Downingtown East, Fr.

SOPHIE KOZIOL, Conestoga, Sr.

MADELYN GRIGALONIS, Bishop Shanahan, Fr.

ANNIKA FRANKE, Avon Grove, Sr.

LIBBY COGAN, Great Valley, Sr.

MAEGAN QUINN, W.C. Rustin, Jr.

CAROLINE McDONALD, Downingtown East, Jr.

PEYTON CORON, Villa Maria, Jr.

HONORABLE MENTION

Avon Grove: Lizzy Harrison, Abby Mills.

Bishop Shanahan: Melissa Eaglehouse, Mariela Ramos.

Coatesville: Cailyn Lowery, Kayla Kinzeler.

Conestoga: Haleigh Wintersteen.

Downingtown East: Madison Shumate, Molly Walsh, Natalie Sims.

Downingtown West: Maddie Greco, Hayley Coyle.

Great Valley: Rose Bleahen, Gillian Yonce, Emily Laden

Kennett: Maddie Sallurday, Caroline Cofran.

Oxford: Dulce Villagomez, Alyssa Welhaf.

Unionville: Alley Foote, Mackenzie Malloy.

Villa Maria: Maddie Catania, Maddy George.

W.C. East: Molly Smeins, Sydney Slusser.

W.C. Henderson: Sophia Griffin.

W.C. Rustin: Lindsay Krafchick, Mia Amen, Hope Donnelly.

COACH OF THE YEAR

Jason Luzak, Downingtown East

Luzak guided the Cougars through un unbeaten regular season that included sole possession of the Ches-Mont league title. Downingtown East ended its season at 10-1 and the Cougars allowed just four goals all season and notched seven shutouts.