Team: Wayne Valley
Trainer: Kathleen Sinram
Last year’s record: 12-6
Final ranking 2023: No. 9
Rearview mirror
On the surface, last year was a typical season for Wayne Valley. The Indians captured a share of the Big North Independence title, reached the Passaic County finals and won a round in the state sectional tournament.
But the rocky road to get there may have made it Kathleen Sinram’s best coaching career since she took over in 2015.
The Indians called up four rookies and put two of them in the starting lineup after most players were off the roster and two offensive players were sidelined with preseason ACL tears. Without a player scoring double figures, the Indians stayed under two goals per game but managed just enough to get by.
“We were lucky to have a good group of freshmen who were up to the task, and the other kids who were waiting in the wings were able to really step up,” Sinram said. “It was great.”
Best assets
Traditionally, Wayne Valley has won with versatile, athletic players and a commitment to defending at a high level. The recipe doesn’t change now, with only one starter to replace on the back row. Sophomore Avery Voinov returns to defense, alongside seniors Adrina Ibraimi and Keira Cicchetti, after limiting opponents to 14 goals in 18 games.
There are further question marks on offense, but Sinram remains optimistic. The Indians will count on experienced Alexa Maybrown (4 assists) in the midfield and second-year forward Sabrina King (5 goals, 2 assists) to build on her solid rookie season.
“I’m hoping their ability to combine and understand each other a little bit better will help,” Sinram said. “I think last year we just had a few odd injuries here and there. I have a senior player, Emma DelloBuono, who missed a lot of time last year. She’s a goal scorer. I know she’s out there on the field looking to prove something.”
Expectations
The bar is always set high at Wayne Valley. Sinram has led the Indians to six consecutive division titles, three consecutive county finals and a state championship in 2021.
Health is once again an issue. Two players have been ruled out with torn ACLs and another, junior Ava Biase, is working on her comeback after suffering the same injury last season.
If Wayne Valley can establish itself at the goalkeeping position – which has long been a strength of the team – it will continue to have a presence in the upper ranks.
“I think the girls in the soccer program take pride in what they’re a part of,” Sinram said. “That’s been helpful. I think they really try to come together. A lot of them play on different club teams, but when it comes to the high school team, they enjoy the camaraderie they have with each other.”
