Another soccer season for girls begins on August 16th.
The Daily Record’s Josh McWilliams profiles 10 of the region’s best players and asks them three questions to help fans get to know them better: Who is their favourite professional and club? Who is their favourite teacher and why? How have they improved their game from last year to this year?
Nayeli Cruz (Waynedale, midfielder)
The veteran midfielder, known for her ability to navigate the scrum, formed a strong double with then-experienced Skye Morris a year ago, and Cruz will take on the leadership role this fall.
- “My favorite player is Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns forward) and my favorite team is Real Madrid.”
- “My favorite teacher is Mr. Bowers. He’s just a fun teacher and always makes sure the class is fun. He has a good attitude when it comes to sports that rubs off on me. I was lucky to have had him as a teacher.”
- “I recently transferred to Canton Akron United and the competition there is definitely a lot tougher and the pace of play is just faster. I learned a lot of new things and was able to improve my game by playing against girls who were the same level as me or even better. I hope to see the results this season.”
Valerie Gonzales (Orrville, midfielder)
A wizard with the ball at her feet, the veteran midfielder will be at the center of Orrville’s attack this year and a big reason for the team’s success. For a young team, her experience will be a big factor this fall.
- “Lionel Messi (Inter Miami striker) is my favorite player and the GOAT, and I have always been a huge Barcelona fan.”
- “Mr. Schueffler is my favorite teacher because he makes math fun and lets me hang out in his classroom.”
- “I’ve been working on developing my shooting instinct during the off-season and I think it’s improved a lot so hopefully we can score more goals this year.”
Claire Haas (Smithville, defense attorney)
This experienced defender is a Swiss Army knife and there is little she can’t do. From charging up the field to helping to block an attack, she is the centerpiece of the Smithies’ lofty goals this fall.
- “My favorite player is Abby Wambach (a former US legend) and my favorite team to cheer for is the US Women’s National Team.”
- “Mrs. Breneman is my favorite teacher because of her kindness and patience. I really enjoyed talking with her in class and she helped make chemistry class bearable.”
- “One way I’ve improved my weaker areas over the past year is to focus on one thing I can improve on at each practice session. By focusing on one specific detail of my game at a time, my game has improved a lot.”
Taelyn Lambert (Northwestern, center back)
A year ago, the Huskies made a late run in the playoffs and this senior was a key part of that. This fall, she will take on a larger role and be a key part of a team that is looking to make a splash again this year.
- “My favorite player is Lionel Messi (Inter Miami striker) and my favorite team is the US women’s national team.”
- “My favorite teacher is Mrs. Hudson. She is very personable and down to earth, but when it comes to school work, she always pushes us to work hard and be the best version of ourselves.”
- “I have improved my game by having a better view of the field and trying to make better passes.”
Delaney Marshall (Chippewa, forward)
The sophomore forward had a strong season as a freshman and will look to build on that with better goal-scoring skills. Marshall is quick in open space, can do anything on offense and will need to keep a better eye on goal as she becomes one of the Chipps’ top targets.
- “My favorite soccer player is Sophia Smith (forward for the Portland Thorns) and my favorite team is Kansas City Current.”
- “If I had to choose my favorite teacher, it would be my mom, Mrs. Marshall. She is my inspiration in life and my best friend. Having her as a teacher makes school life 100x better.”
- “I have improved from last year by putting in extra time in the offseason and doing things like strength training, spring football and workouts. Participating in the team fitness program this summer has had a positive impact on my overall athletic performance.”
Elena Moyer (Chippewa, midfielder)
A veteran midfielder who has served as an anchor in the midfield, she will again be expected to set the pace and put her team in a position to be successful on a nightly basis. There really is very little Moyer can’t do on the field as she is the heart of the team.
- “My favorite player is Lindsey Horan (Lyon Feminin midfielder); my favorite team is the US women’s national team.”
- “My favorite teacher is Mrs. Ogg. She gets along well with the students and her classes are relaxed.”
- “I improved my game by having more ball contact and being more present on offense in the offseason.”
Charli Murphy (West Holmes, full-back)
Talented sophomore who was a hard-hitting offensive force last year, forming a deadly combination with then-seniors Allie McMillen and Avery Arnold. She will be expected to set the pace this fall as the Knights look to build on last year.
- “My favorite player is Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit forward) and my favorite team is the US women’s national team.”
- “My favorite teacher is Miss Kellogg because she helped me a lot during my freshman year of high school and she really cares about us students.”
- “I have improved my game in my ball skills and my offensive turns.”
Jenna Necko (Smithville, goalkeeper)
The veteran goalie will be the goalie to watch in the region this fall as she makes the amazing saves easy and the simple ones look routine. She will be expected to anchor the team defensively this year.
- “My favorite soccer player and team is Alyssa Naeher (goalkeeper for the Chicago Red Stars) and the US women’s national team.”
- “Mrs. Moomaw in fourth grade was my favorite teacher because she was easy to talk to and always made the class laugh. She really cared about us and made social studies class a fun experience.”
- “I’ve been working a lot on form and posture, such as being ready with my hands, as well as hitting and blocking high balls. I’m going into this season full of excitement and more confidence.”
Gabi Signorino (Wooster, striker)
This senior is electric with the ball at her feet and will look to build on her great year last year. She will play a major role in paving the way for opponents around her. As the main offensive weapon, she will keep an eye on the defense and her court vision will be a key element as she leads this year’s team.
- “Mallory Swanson (Chicago Red Stars striker) and I would choose the US women’s national team.”
- “I would say Mr. Conrad. I took anatomy last year and he made a difficult class very entertaining.”
- “I think the recruiting process last year gave me a different perspective on the game. I was introduced to a higher level of intensity and plan to carry that into the upcoming high school season.”
Averee Troyer (West Holmes, midfielder)
The senior will help fill the void left by McMillen and others and looks up to the task of leading this year’s team. Troyer is composed with the ball at her feet, has good field vision and will look to build on past experience to fuel this year’s success.
- “I would probably choose Alex Morgan (Orlando Pride striker) as my favorite player. My favorite team is PSG (Paris Saint-Germain).”
- “My favorite teacher is Mrs. Tyson (also known as Ms. Welsh). She makes all of her lessons very easy to understand and fun.”
- “I’ve become more confident about what I can do with the ball at my feet. I also communicate a lot more on the field now than I did last year.”
Others featured: Emma Behler (Wooster), Raegan Bigley (Waynedale), Emma Brede (Orrville), Molly Gasser (Norwayne), Ellie Golias (Triway), Addison Good (Chippewa), Kaylie Holmes (Smithville), Katherine Kaster (West Holmes), Chanelle Kellogg (Hiland), Annie McAllister (Orrville), Savannah McConahay (Northwestern), Sydney McConahay (Northwestern), Kailyn Miller (Hiland), Italee Mullet (Hiland), Casey Ogi (West Holmes), Brianna Poventud (West Holmes), Mia Rodriguez (Chippewa), Shelby Schenk (Smithville), Cinthia Reyes (Waynedale), Julia Root (Triway), Abi Strand-Fox (Wooster), Kylee Strong (Triway), Alysa Troyan (Northwestern), Aly Wickens ( Smithville), Cadence Wilson (Orrville), Jailynn Woodruff (Northwest), Aveona Yoder (West Holmes)
