Taking a look at this year’s local girls soccer teams
Billerica
League: Merrimack Valley Conference
Last year’s record: 13-5-2 Key returners: Haley Slaney (captain), sr., defense; Sadie Hall, sr., defense; Lauren Montion, sr., forward; Julia Trainor, jr., forward; Amanda Macleod, jr., defense; Colleen Mcgurl, jr., forward; Sofia Manne, soph., defense. Promising newcomers: Emma jacobs, soph., midfield; Kylie Mcgowan, soph., defense; Jillian Weeks, soph., forward; Kaylie Govoni, 8th grade, midfield; Sara Macleod, 8th, forward.
Coach Tom Foley (3rd season): “The team has big shoes to fill with the departure of 8 seniors from last year’s championship team, 4 of which have moved on to play in college. This year’s team will be built on a technical style of play with players who are good on the ball and come with a high soccer IQ.”
Chelmsford
League: Merrimack Valley Conference
Last year’s record: 10-6-3 Key returners: Kathryn Slattery, sr., defense; Kate Krueger, sr., goalie; Sarah Lachance, sr., forward; Meghan Good, jr., goalie/ forward; Erin Johnson, sr., defense.
Promising newcomers: N/A
Coach Leah Potcner (5th year): “Our culture of a positive min dset and a ‘ bend don’t break’ mentality that we have built is so strong and I truly feel as though that is what is going to make us unstoppable this year. Despite all of the changes, new rules, and new guidelines/modifications, the girls have kept their heads high and have remained focused on continuously striving to keep getting better than the day before. Whatever happens this season, I know these girls will push through and make it the best. I am constantly blown away and impressed by their hard work, efforts, and determination. These girls are truly something special.”
Dracut
League: Merrimack Valley Conference
Last year’s record: 6-11-1 Key returners: Leah Durkin, sr., forward; Anna Gorman, sr., midfield; Melissa Bonilla, sr., midfield; Jessica St. George, jr., defense; Abby Sancartier, sr., defense; Kassie Mcmanus, sr., goalie; Dakota Fryns, jr., midfield; Brodie Gannon, soph., midfield.
Promising newcomers: Larissa Agostino, jr., defense; Maddy Archambault, jr., goalie.
Coach Emily Kozlowski (2nd season): “I am looking forward to this season and the success the players will achieve, due to their hard work and dedication. We are all thankful to be together and grateful to have a soccer season this year.”
Greater Lowell
League: Commonwealth Athletic Conference
Last year’s record: 9-10-0 Key returners: Jillian Mcisaac, sr., goalie; Finny Chrim, sr., defense; Diana Mix, sr., defense; Hali Frasca, sr., midfield; Victoria Garcia, sr., midfield; Aliza Som, jr., forward; Athenna Mao, jr., midfield; Arianna Hernandez, jr., midfield; Jada Santos, jr., midfield; Ashleigh Santos, soph., defense; Emily Haas, soph., midfield; Victoria Falcon, soph., defense.
Promising newcomers: Kailey Sylvester, jr., midfield; Angelina Srey, jr., defense; Rebecca Cawthron, so., midfield; Kim Silva, jr., forward; Sydney Geoffroy, fr., midfield; Tyra Medina, fr., def/forward.
Coach Brian Martin (14th season): “We have a ton of returning players, so in a normal year we would be vying for the state tournament. This year, we are trying to enjoy each day we get to compete in practice or a game. We are hopeful the seniors are able to enjoy as much of their final season as possible.”
Groton-dunstable
League: Mid-wach B Last year’s record: 7-5-8 Key returners: Anna Griffiths, sr., defense; Jackie Gervais, jr., forward; Faith Kosiba, jr., midfield.
Promising newcomers: Anna Carney, jr., goalie; Sydney Prechtl, sr., midfield; Cassie Prechtl, fr., defense.
Coach Sean Murphy (4th season): “The season will definitely be different. After the uncertainty of whether or not the season would happen, the ladies are excited and ready to go. We have a large number of holes to fill from graduating a handful of key seniors. With the shorter, condensed season, fitness and keeping players healthy will be a major priority. Looking forward to watching Jackie Gervais score a lot of goals and for Faith Kosiba to continue great work in the midfield and getting the ball to Gervais. Anna Griffiths will be a key on defense to pull together and hold together that group.”
Littleton
League: Mid-wach D Last year’s record: 9-5-5 Key returners: Bri Levasseur, sr., midfield; Vianne Lord, sr., goalie; Kate Johnson (captain), sr., forward; Emma Boussier, (captain), sr., defense.
Promisingnewcomers: Erin Prouix, soph., forward; Amy Prouix, soph., midfield; Kaylin O’meara, soph., midfield.
Coach Todd Turcotte (4th season): “We are looking to compete and grow, with the emphasis on having fun and enjoying the fact we are actually playing soccer.”
Lowell
League: Merrimack Valley Conference
Last year’s record: 2-14-2 Key returners: Ashley Boissonnealt, jr., midfield; Mackenzie Boissonneault, jr., goalie; Lillian Cluff, jr., defense; Christina Grillakis, jr., midfield; Tess Hollingworth, soph., midfield; Veronica Jones, soph., forward; Casey Mitchell, jr., defense.
Promising newcomers: Melissa Mejia, fr., midfield; Jacqueline Peirce, fr., midfield.
Coach Michael White (1st season): “The girls are adapting well to the new coaching staff, style of soccer we want to play, fast paced and demanding training sessions, and new rules for COVID soccer. I think we are going to be OK this season. We have a younger team that is wanting to learn and get better. Wehave improved every training session since Day 1. We are not just going to be an easy team to play on someone’s schedule.”
Lowell Catholic
League: Commonwealth Athletic Conference
Last year’s record: 12-5-3 Key returners: Grace Maston, sr., goalie; Charlotte Morey, jr., midfield; Kate Desseareaux, sr., defense; Alexis Gilbride, sr., defense; Sophia Pessia, sr., midfield; Sarah Camire, sr., midfield; Taylor West, soph., defense; Jessica Hodgdan, soph., midfield; Zoey Gaudet, soph., defense.
Promising newcomers: Liz Vargas, sr., forward; Morgan Armstrong, jr., forward; Anaiyah Rivera, jr., midfield; Audrey Sullivan, jr., midfield; Jackie Barton, jr., defense; Valora Keomouangsong, soph., defense; Ifeoma Ochijeh, soph., forward; Emily Cushion, soph., midfield; Nora Tomaino, fr., defense; Meredith Morey, fr., forward; Eva Warren, fr., midfield; Keara Nault. fr., defense.
Coach Jillian Feeney (11th season): “This past year has already been so unpredictable, I just wanted us to go into this season with an open mind and a positive attitude. Even though all the rules changes can be frustrating and confusing for all of us, I’m happy and grateful that they are able to have some sort of a season, no matter what it looks like. I’m really proud of all of the girls, their ability to go with the flow, adjust to all the changes and come every day with a positive outlook.”
North Middlesex
League: Mid-wach B Last year’s record: 9-4-7 Key returners: Raelyn Callahan, sr., forward; Kelly White, sr., goalie; Rachel Drahusz, sr., midfield; Mallory Morrill, soph., midfield; Amanda Regan, soph., midfield; Olivia Robarge, jr., midfield; Madison Vazquez, jr., defense.
Promising newcomers: Alisha Prailleau, jr., midfield; Lauren Torpey, soph., forward; Cloe Martin, sr., defense; Lilymartin, jr., defense; Alexis Desimone, jr., defense.
Coach Kristi Montolio (2nd season): “With 10 new additions to the varsity roster, this season will certainly be a rebuilding year for us as a team. It will take time for us to get to know each other on the field and adjust to new faces, especially with masks on. With leadership from captains Kelly White and Raelyn Callahan, the team will make big advances this season.”
Shawsheen Tech
Conference: Commonwealth Athletic Conference Large
Last year’s record: 8-5-3. Key returners: Maya Dimino, sr., forward, Jacqui Megna, sr., midfielder, Talia Steed, sr. midfielder., Eryn Ward, sr. defense; Shelby Bourdeau, sr., goalie., Leah Casey, soph., forward.
Promising newcomer: Makayla Melanson, Soph., midfield.
Coach Doug Michaud (15th season): “We have all returning starters, and most of them are seniors who have been in a starting spot for two or three years. They have been playing on the same team for a while, so that has to help. I think we can be really good this year.”
Tewksbury
League: Merrimack Valley Conference
Last year’s record: 6-7-6 Key returners: Lexi Polimeno (captain) sr., forward; Iris Diaz (captain), sr., mid/ forward; Brenna Cassidy, sr., defense; Erin Mcintyre, sr., midfield/forward; Cat Burke, sr., defense; Allie Indingaro, sr., midfield/forward; Christina Capachietti, sr., midfield; Abby Hansbury, sr., midfield; Alex Fowler, sr., forward; Jordan Sheehan, jr., midfield/defense; Kati Polimeno, jr., defense; Daniela Almeida, jr., midfield; Ashlyn Nawn, jr., defense; Rachel Picher, jr., defense; Victoria Catanzano, soph., forward; Kassidy Macdonald, jr.,goalie.
Promising newcomers: Raia Price, jr., midfield; Ashley Bielecki, jr., defense; Jordan Gardener, jr., midfield; Noelia Cura, jr., forward; Gabby Diaz, soph., mid/defense; Brooklyn Degrechie, soph., defense; Emma Ryan, fr., forward; Christina Giansiracusa, fr., goalie.
Coach Samantha Tavantzis (5th season): “I’m excited that we get to be out here, we get to play and the girls get to have some fun. That’s where I’m at and I think the girls are excited, too. The rules we are not so excited about, but we are lucky to be out here because there’s some teams that aren’t. I’m hoping that we get through this entire season and we get to have a great time, the girls get to have their Senior Night, and I think all of that will happen.”
Tyngsboro
League: Mid-wach C Last year’s record: 14-2-2 Key returners: Halle Bangura (captain), sr., defense;
Harleigh Cornellier (captain), sr., midfielder; Abby Cornellier, sr., defense; Rori Clare, sr., forward; Sophie De Mari, sr., midfielder; Megan Ethier, sr., midfielder; Christina Guastucci, sr., midfielder; Rachel Keohane, sr., forward; Jillian Mcdonald, sr., midfielder; Molly Mchugh, sr., forward; Emily Moran, sr., defense; Katherine Panagakis, sr., defense; Maya Puma, sr., goalkeeper; Abby Savard, sr., defense; Jenna Mitza, jr., midfielder.
Promising newcomers: Riley Ayemere, jr., midfielder; Alexis Whittier, soph., defense; Cameran Pedrischi, fr., midfielder.
Coach Ettore de Mari (1st season): “We are determined to continue our success from last year. This team has a good amount of varsity players returning from last year and added on 3 promising players. The team will be confident and determined to face any challenges that come their way head on with maximum effort. I am extremely happy, excited and lucky to coach an incredible group of girls. They are talented, hardworking, determined and have great team chemistry.”
Westford Academy
League: Dual County League
Last year’s record: 15-3-2 Key returners: Dominique Paglia, sr., midfield; Shadee Saberi, sr., forward; Ava Couillard, sr., defense; Kaitlyn Rybicki, sr., defense/ forward; Emma Brazinski, sr., midfield; Grace Carroll, jr., forward; Isabel Doherty, jr., midfielder; Victoria Princi, jr., defensel; Carley Davey, jr., forward; Tamar Almasion, jr., defense/ midfield; Caroline Lynch, jr., forward; Kiani BarnardPratt, jr., goalie; Olivia Dubay, soph., midfield.
Promising newcomers: Thea Caplan, sr., midfield; Mia Towers, sr., midfield; Sara Cannuscio, sr., goalie; Abbie Gibson, jr., defense; Meghan Hall, soph., goalie; Isabella Balatka, soph., midfielder; Abby Baker, fr., defense; Sarah Kirby, fr., defense; Urvi Pai, fr., midfield.
Coach Katie Andjus (3rd season): “I think we have the potential to do well this year. We had a small senior class, but lost our 2 top goalscorers. This year, I think it is going to be a large team effort and we are going to see goals from many different individuals. With the very successful season we had last year, I think bringing in 13 veteran players will be a big advantage for us. The team has been working hard and they are just excited to be back out playing soccer.”
Wilmington
League: Middlesex League Freedom Division Last year’s record: 13-6-1 Key Returners: Kali Almeida, jr., forward; Colleen Baldi, soph., defense; Amanda Broussard, jr., midfield; Ashlyn Buckley, sr., defense; Jess Collins, soph., midfield; Audrey Curdo, jr., defense; Ava Elliott, sr., defense; Amber Flynn (captain), sr., midfield; Tori Gemellaro (captain), sr., goalie; Alyssa Granara, jr., forward; Kaitlyn Maguire, jr., defense; Jenna Moore, jr., midfield; Madison Mulas, jr., defense; Sam Papastathis, sr., defense; Olivia Spizuoco, jr., forward; Jenna Sweeney (captain), sr., midfield; Ella Wingate, soph., forward.
Promising newcomers: Sofia Barletta, jr., def/midfield; Cameron Foresyth, soph., defense; Emily Grace, fr., defense/midfield; Molly Macdonald, fr., mid/forward; Ashley Mercier, fr., goalie; Quinn Proulx, jr., midfield/defense.
Coach Sue Hendee (33rd season): “I’m excited for this year. I feel that we definitely have a strong 11 players and even from there we have a lot of kids who got playing experience last year.”