Anne Arundel girls soccer appears to be a mix of haves and have nots in a few categories this fall.
A good number of teams are short of seniors, Crofton coach Kevin Castillo said, and are either loaded with a rush of incoming freshmen or are mostly working with the juniors and sophomores they already had.
There’s something different about those newer players coming in: a lot more of them are playing club soccer. Longtime Broadneck coach John Camm noted Severna Park’s already filled with them and the Bruins and Chesapeake will soon be, too.
Because of it, coaches are seeing a higher-level, more possessive and physical style of play from the county’s girls. As for who will be in the top three this year, it may not change much. Last year’s undefeated Severna Park squad still brings back a lot of its best pieces despite heavy graduation. Broadneck and Crofton are set to improve; Chesapeake’s right there with them, as is South River.
But, as club players spread out to different teams, the order of things adjust with it. At league play this past summer, Glen Burnie coach Kreghan Rebstock-Lane noted the Anne Arundel teams present were competitive: Meade, Broadneck, Southern, Chesapeake, Northeast and Severn Run alongside the Gophers.
“It feels like anyone can compete at this point. My group is a testament to that,” said Rebstock-Lane, whose 2023 Class 4A state semifinalist Glen Burnie squad hasn’t faltered despite graduations and transfers.
Coaches expect the club players to keep on coming.
“We’re starting four freshmen and we’ve got a fifth, and they’re all from Maryland United and the rest. Next year, there’ll be another five or six,” Camm said. “It’s definitely had an impact. If you don’t have any, you’ll be left behind.”
Meade coach Denelle Jones pointed out that athletes from low or lower income households don’t have the same resources or funds available to match more affluent programs in the south. Wealth disparity isn’t new, but it may become a more jarring divide as more athletes reportedly go the club route.
“Most minorities [in the area] aren’t able to afford elite club soccer training because of their economic situation,” Jones said, “while other school’s in better funded areas can.”
Here is more on each county team:
AACS
Coach: Josh Danza, first season
Last season: 6-6
Region/Conference: IAAM C
Top returners: Seniors Elena Rogers (F), Skylar Sensenbrenner (F), Jadyn Wynn (D/F) and Charlotte Jerdal (D).
Newcomer to watch: Layla Bowie (M/D).
Outlook: There’s no reason the Eagles can’t conquer their conference, considering there are 13 seniors hitting the pitch this fall.
Coach’s comment: “That includes three-time IAAM All-Conference forward Elena Rogers. Freshman Layla Bowie will instantly make an impact in the midfield controlling possession and linking play into the attacking third. Jadyn Wynn and Charlotte Jerdal are experienced and strong players that will anchor the defense.”
Annapolis
Coach: Amanda Weisgerber, fourth season
Last season: 2-5-0
Region/Conference: 4A East Region II
Top returners: Senior Ellie Portillo (F); juniors Aidyn DeMarinis (D) and Catherine King (M).
Newcomers to watch: Sophomores Nova Sims (M); freshmen Zoe Shilling (D), Emerson Ricker (M) and Emily Flores (F).
Outlook: The Panthers’ roster is growing, both in size and talent, per Weisgerber.
Coach’s comment: “We have a very positive but competitive group team this year that is motivated to grow and develop every practice. We are excited to see what they bring to the field this season.”
Archbishop Spalding
Coach: Ashly Kennedy, 12th season
Last season: 6-8-2, championship finalist
Region/Conference: IAAM A
Top returners: Seniors Olivia Nardone and Riley Willis; sophomore Karrington Gregory.
Newcomers to watch: Sophomore Olivia Murphy (F); freshmen Delaney Bartlett, Brianna DeLa Cruz and Zoe Fellner.
Outlook: Spalding possesses experience in abundance with 14 returning players – all of whom, of course, had a close brush with ultimate victory last year and have apparently been working since the spring to stay motivated.
Coach’s comment: “We will have a strong central core within each position that will allow for connection and fluidity.”
Arundel
Coach: Caitlin Markowski, fourth season
Last season: 5-8
Region/Conference: 3A East Region I
Top returners: Senior Jessica Gotshall (M); junior Sienna Klinger (F); sophomore Katie Mutziger (M).
Newcomers to watch: Freshmen Hannah Slifer (M) and Kaelyn Jackson (F).
Outlook: The Wildcats are down their senior core from last fall, but Markowski looks to the positive.
Coach’s comment: “We have a full roster of young players who are skilled, disciplined and eager to win. This year will be a year of great growth for our players and program as a whole.”
Broadneck
Coach: John Camm, 21st season
Last season: 11-4-1
Region/Conference: 4A East Region II
Top returners: Seniors Grace Gatrell (M), Elizabeth Favazza (D) and Grace Mills (D); juniors Hadley Crooks (M) and Natalie Crooks (M).
Newcomers to watch: Sophomore Sophia Hickey (D); freshmen Lola Banks (F), Reagan Milnes (F), Cameron Terhune (GK) and Ashtyn Coates (M).
Outlook: Much of what made Broadneck contentious last fall has departed, either to graduation or a private school transfer, but it might not have the effect it normally would. There should be notable holes between the pipes and in scoring – gaps that have been quickly filled by club-seasoned freshmen.
Coach’s comment: “We’re young but we’ll be aggressive. We’ll be a little better than we were last year. This is a young group, but with more physical play from what we’ve been seeing.”
Chesapeake
Coach: Kevin Keeter, ninth season
Last season: 11-3-1
Region/Conference: 3A South Region I
Top returners: Seniors Lily Barnum (M) and Ryleigh Smoot (GK); juniors Ella Cieri (M) and Laney Preslipky (D).
Outlook: The team that journeyed to last fall’s region finals has a hole in its defense left by three graduations. That, Keeter said, will be the questionable third.
Coach’s comment: “Our midfield will be our strength this year with Lily Barnum running the central midfield and Ella Cieri on the outside. Ella’s speed and competitive drive will help the Cougar offense this year.”
Crofton
Coach: Kevin Castillo, second season
Last season: 7-7-1
Region/Conference: 4A East Region I
Top returners: Seniors Addison Cox-Franklin (F), Alexandra Truman (M), Rebecca Flom (D) and Alexandra Sarrach (F); juniors Soraya F-Shahraki (M) and Caroline Carleton (M); sophomores Jackie Dutton (D) and Sophie Osborne (F).
Newcomers to watch: Juniors Amaya Bristol (F) and Kaelyn Richardson (GK); sophomores Isabel Duffy (M) and Madison Brown (D).
Outlook: After capturing the 3A state title two years ago – and graduating the scoring force behind it – the Cardinals took some lumps last season. This year, the senior pool is small as well and the squad is “navigating some growing pains typical of youth,” per Castillo. Still, he dubs them “promising.”
Coach’s comment: “The leadership of the seniors is expected to be a pivotal factor in overcoming these challenges. The primary goal for the season is to focus on growth, improvement and reaching the state finals, reflecting the team’s ambitious aspirations and commitment to success.”
Glen Burnie
Coach: Kreghan Rebstock-Lane, sixth season
Last season: 12-5-1, state semifinalist
Region/Conference: 4A East Region I
Top returners: Seniors Brynn Mitchell (F) and Kylee Michael (F); juniors Katie Wingard (M) and Stephanie Ohl (M); sophomore Nathalie Rodas (M).
Outlook: Glen Burnie made historic strides when it defied traditional state expectations and traveled to the 4A state semifinal on its own home turf. Its offseason losses cannot be ignored, from two transfers to Severn Run and first team All-County goalkeeper Pe’la Saunders to graduation, but the Gophers have unearthed a solid goalie and held their own against Blair and Broadneck in scrimmages.
Coach’s comment: “We are a blend of very young and very seasoned. It’s going to take some time for us to gel, [but] we’ll be fast and physical. We’re going to rely on our five returners and their leadership to get our younger kids up to speed.”
Indian Creek
Coach: Patrick Noel, fourth season
Last season: 6-9
Region/Conference: IAAM C
Top returners: Seniors Maisie White (M/F) and Marina Hemmer (D/F).
Newcomer to watch: Freshman Casey Roth (D).
Outlook: Even with all-conference pieces guarding the pitch and offering some scoring, the Eagles are rebuilding what was a senior-heavy roster post-2023.
Coach’s comment: “We’re poised to be able to improve performances with many coming back significantly improved and a strong preseason.”
Key
Coach: Steve Horrigan, first season
Last season: 2-10
Region/Conference: IAAM C
Top returners: Senior Ginerva Iliff; juniors Zailey Tiller and Aiofe Lennon.
Newcomers to watch: Freshmen Quinn Austin (M), Beza Stephems (M) and Amy Lopez-Cruz (D).
Outlook: The Obezags have a solid core of upperclassmen to provide stability, which can only be helped by eight incoming freshmen with good skill.
Coach’s comment: “We will be a smaller program and every player will play a critical role in every contest.”
Meade
Coach: Denelle Jones, second season
Last season: 3-9-2
Region/Conference: 4A East Region I
Top returners: Seniors Isabelle Franklin (M/F) and Valeria Coronado (D).
Outlook: Most of Meade’s starting lines are seniors who have a grit to them that helps them fight through practices and scrimmages so far. However, Jones worries about endurance.
Coach’s comment: “My girls don’t like the feeling of a loss and they know that they don’t want any regrets when the game is over. For this season to be successful, every single girl has to want to put in the work to get better for the girls next to them. If we can truly understand the meaning of a team, we’ll be a tough contender this season.”
North County
Coach: Nick Cosentino, first season
Last season: 4-4-1
Region/Conference: 4A East Region I
Top returners: Seniors Gracie Boritz (D), Riley Sheets (M), Bella Feuerherd (F) and Kayley Paugh (M ); juniors Gianna Cosentino (M) and Taylor Stiegler (GK); sophomore Malin Jones (M)
Newcomers to watch: Freshmen Emma Jacobs (M) and Jayda McGowan (D).
Outlook: The Knights possess one of the more balanced public school teams in terms of varsity experience among seniors, especially in the defense. A commitment there – as well as a focus on team chemistry – is what first-year coach Cosentino, who spent 25 years coaching the Anne Arundel Community College men, considers the key to North County’s success.
Coach’s comment: “We are excited about the core of players returning as well as the incoming freshman. We expect to compete in each game and have a memorable year. We have a good balance of experience and are excited about the potential of our group.”
Northeast
Coach: Melissa Leaf, second season
Last season: 2-8-1
Region/Conference: 3A South Region I
Top returners: Seniors Julia Young (D/M), Madelyn Wright (D), Madelyn Raines (M/F), Cece Bitner (D/M), Taylor Castle (GK/D), Sarai Guzman (D) and Hannah Fischbein (M); juniors Tatum Moore (M), Lucianna McGonigal (M), Sophia Hodges (D/M) and Jade Barnes (D); sophomores Belle Williams (M), Erika Valdovinos (M), Karys Fout (F), Belle Jacoby (M/F), Laila Martinez (F), Haley Gray (D) and Hayden Flasinski (GK/D).
Newcomers to watch: Freshmen Olivia Del Moral (M), Kylie Powell (F/M) and Piper Adriano (D).
Outlook: The Eagles suffered six losses by a single goal last fall. Therefore, the intention is to focus on finishing games.
Coach’s comment: “We feel our roster has a good balance of experienced, veteran, senior leaders with a crop of young, talented, next generation underclassmen.”
Old Mill
Coach: Katy Barry, second season
Last season: 6-7-1
Region/Conference: 3A South Region I
Top returners: Seniors Mackenzie Baldwin (D/M), Alina Fant (M/GK), Camryn Smith (D) and Sammi Ellis (D); juniors Mia Beard (F) and Lilly Fant (F/M); sophomore Alyssa Hartman (D).
Newcomers to watch: Junior Mia Melgar (M); sophomores Kalli Brandon (F/M) and Taylor Martini (M).
Outlook: A “fun and goofy” group by their coach’s affectionate estimate, Barry hopes the “strong” team chemistry the Patriots share will funnel towards victories on the field as well, levying them above .500 at the very least – and into the top four conversation beyond. The Patriots’ move into 3A grants them few favors, with Chesapeake potentially awaiting them in late October or November.
Coach’s comment: “We have a fantastic group of seniors that are strong leaders and have been playing with each other for four years […] We are looking to have a very successful season this fall.”
Severn
Coach: Denison Cabral, second season
Last season: 8-7
Region/Conference: MIAA B
Top returners: Seniors Nina Ambro (F), Sally Reed (M) and Elliot Wienk (D); junior Alaina Subong (D/M).
Newcomers to watch: Junior Reese Wicker (F/M); sophomore Carys Mckenzie (F); freshmen Tessa Patel (M), Irelyn Beaulieu (F) and Eleanor Beard (F).
Outlook: The Admirals are flush with returners, with 12 seniors among the 15 coming back. There’s no shortage of the future, either, Cabral said, with plenty of new faces to ponder.
Coach’s comment: “The goal is to be competitive, aggressive, and fight for the title. In this group we have a great mix of players bringing speed, technique, and experience. The girls are committed and focused from day one, and that is very encouraging.”
Severna Park
Coach: Rick Stimpson, sixth season
Last season: 17-0, county and state champions
Region/Conference: 3A East Region I
Top returners: Seniors Abby Cover (M) and Bella Van Gieson (M); juniors Emerson Scot (D) and Ava Scott (M).
Outlook: Not one girls program had a better fall than Severna Park in 2023, but after bidding farewell to 12 seniors across the pitch, the Falcons have a bit of an uphill ahead of them. They’re usually pretty adept at refilling roles, and have a strong nucleus to anchor them.
Coach’s comment: “Having only conceded three goals last year, we need to get our new players up to speed quickly.”
Severn Run
Coach: Theon Francis, first season
Last season: N/A
Region/Conference: 3A South Region I
Newcomers to watch: Senior Jasmine Escobar (D); sophomores Niaya Brezial (M) and Isabella Martin; freshmen Shayna Tobin (M) and Makaila Ervin (F).
Outlook: The Wolves were extremely lucky to pluck two key pieces of Glen Burnie’s state semifinal run in Escobar and Brezial, but overall, Severn Run’s first varsity squad is extremely young. Seniors had the choice to stay at their old school, and most eligible girls soccer players seemed to; only two will likely be starters.
Coach’s comment: “It remains to be seen how they will respond when they come up against the tough competition in the county. However, it is still a talented group. Although this will be the first time many of them play together, we have a chance to have some good performances. If we can respond positively to tough moments during the season and during each game, we can have a successful season.”
South River
Coach: Christine Flanagan, third season
Last season: 9-5-2, county championship runner-up
Region/Conference: 3A East Region I
Top returners: Seniors Eva Gionis (D), Colleen Creswell (M), Reagan Ogle and Kat Budowski (F); junior Addie Twomie (M); sophomores Tierney Gerrity (D) and Alison Siembieda (M).
Newcomers to watch: Sophomore Riley Glenn (M); freshman Kylie Baxter (M).
Outlook: South River’s one of the lucky ones, in that – unlike its top rivals – eight seniors return, as well as one three-year junior. It’s been several years now since the Seahawks have made a deeper run into the postseason but their stab at the county title last October shows promise.
Coach’s comment: “This year will be a huge test for our team as we have the experience with this group, and with some new sophomore and freshman players that are bringing life to the team, this could be the year where South River girls soccer goes far. We have a strong and resilient defense, along with an offensively minded midfield and a very dynamic offense.”
Southern
Coach: Laura Coe, second season
Last season: 13-3-2
Region/Conference: 2A West Region II
Top returners: Senior Anna Sis (F), River Horn (M) and Sienna McCowan (GK); junior Marley Shaw (D).
Outlook: The Bulldogs have some extremely talented players in their ranks, but they won’t be an island.
Coach’s comment: “The Lady Bulldogs are excited to have some depth in the team, with a strong and consistent group of junior and sophomores, who are eager to play and make their marks.”
St. Mary’s
Coach: Sarah DeWitt, first season
Last season: 2-12-2
Region/Conference: IAAM B
Top returners: Juniors Brynn Kaufman (D), Elizabeth Schummer (M) and Molly Styskal (D).
Newcomers to watch: Freshmen Keely Orndoff (F), Casey O’Hare (M) and Mia DiFrancesca (F).
Outlook: The Saints are fortunate to have a skilled defender in Kaufman return from her injury lost sophomore season, as well as a two-year-straight leading goal scorer in Schummer. Overall, St. Mary’s is young, but DeWitt is glad to see the talent among her roster.
Coach’s comment: “Ready to take the IAAM by storm. … As a former Saints soccer player myself, I’m beyond excited to see what this team is capable of achieving and whole-heartedly believe this is just the beginning of a new era.”
Coaches’ players to watch:
Players named by coaches other than their own
Ava Scott, Severna Park
Emerson Scott, Severna Park
Colleen Creswell, South River
Lillian Barnum, Chesapeake
Grace Boritz, North County
Olivia Nardone, Spalding
Brynn Mitchell, Glen Burnie
Jasmine Escobar, Severn Run
![South Carroll wrestling, Francis Scott Key softball, Manchester Valley girls lacrosse and last but not least: Manchester Valley field hockey. Few teams have been as dominant against county competition the past couple of years and Denean Koontz’s program is no exception. Entering her 31st season, Koontz once again enjoys an embarrassment of riches as she glances at her roster. Now a sophomore, Taylor Fique is back along with fellow Player of the Year candidates Sophie Baer and Amanda Herrold to lead one of the county’s deepest lineups. The Mavericks are back and ready defend their undefeated county championship. After a […]](https://www.baltimoresun.com/wp-content/uploads/migration/2023/11/08/QT6FPF3NJZD65EEDR2CNSU4VMI.jpg?w=535 "South Carroll wrestling, Francis Scott Key softball, Manchester Valley girls lacrosse and last but not least: Manchester Valley field hockey. Few teams have been as dominant against county competition the past couple of years and Denean Koontz’s program is no exception. Entering her 31st season, Koontz once again enjoys an embarrassment of riches as she glances at her roster. Now a sophomore, Taylor Fique is back along with fellow Player of the Year candidates Sophie Baer and Amanda Herrold to lead one of the county’s deepest lineups. The Mavericks are back and ready defend their undefeated county championship. After a […]")