GIRLS Name: Carly Anderson School: North Gwinnett Class: Senior Twitter handle: @carlyanderson99 College choices: Alabama, Georgia, Samford Best Gwinnett soccer player other than me is: Collins Hill’s Olivia Dedels Favorite U.S. National Team player: Julie Johnson Favorite thing about soccer: My team and game days Song that gets me pumped up for a game: “Never Be Like You” by Flume Sport I’m best at besides soccer: Cross country Dream job: Nurse practitioner in pediatric oncology, neonatal or labor and delivery Favorite TV show: “The Bachelor”, “The Bachelorette” and “Friends” Coach Jeff Becker’s take: “Carly is a combative player who possesses the qualities of a great defender: excellent timing in the tackle, strength in spades, aerial prowess, speed and fitness and the desire to quickly transition into the attack. She is about as natural of an athlete as I’ve ever worked with. As a
Class AAAAAAA Archer Coach: Jennifer Crawford 2016 record: 6-11 Returning starters: DEF Madi Crawford, Sr.; F Makena Tucker, Sr.; F Seanna Walker, Soph.; DEF Destoni Beatty, Sr.; MF Lauren Sandidge, Soph.; MF Allison Boss, Sr.; MF Jenna Davis, Soph.; DEF Claudene Bent, Sr.; GK Aileen Giron, Jr. Other key players/newcomers: F Jordan Hall, Fr.; DEF Emalee Kuthy, Fr.; DEF Cassidy Wallace, Fr.; DEF Aliyah Taylor, Fr. Outlook: The Tigers have made steady improvements in their young history, which should have them pushing for a state playoff berth this season. A solid group returns with talent at all levels. Berkmar Coach: Roland Yancy 2016 record: 2-13-1 Returning starters: Getsai Figueroa, Jr.; Emily Fuentes, Sr.; Saron Araya, Sr.; Leslie Fuentes, Soph.; Sabrina Cajamarca, Jr.; Katherin Hernandez, Sr.; Samantha Cabrera, Soph.; Mariella Prieto, Jr. Other key players/newcomers: Ashley Fuentes, Fr.; Daniela Romero, Fr.; Vanessa Solano, Jr.; Davini Rodriguez Rangel, Fr. Outlook: Eight starters are back for the Patriots, who aim to improve on last year’s twowin season. Brookwood Coach: Chad Carithers 2016 record: 9-6-1, first round of state playoffs Returning starters: DEF Alexis Bly, Sr.; DEF Allie Kuzel, Jr.; MF Lilly Babalola, Soph.; MF Zoe Laraway, Jr.; F Jo Hylton, Sr.; F Veronica Mills, Sr. Other key players/newcomers: MF Dasia Torbert, Fr.; GK Lauren Swoops, Fr. Outlook: Brookwood hopes to fight for a region championship after reaching the state playoffs again last season. The Broncos have quality talent, including Georgia Southern recruit Hylton. Central Gwinnett Coach: Mike Yocca 2016 record: 4-11 Returning starters: MF Karla Mora, Sr.; DEF Araceli Gomez, Sr.; MF Melissa Flores, Jr.; DEF Kelsey Boreland, Sr.; DEF Anna Tran, Sr.; DEF Kathy Khaikham, Sr.; DEF Daisy Zavala, Jr. Other key players/newcomers: MF Jennifer Arellano, Sr.; MF Frida Sandoval, Fr.; MF Abigail Vicencio, Soph. Outlook: Seven starters are returning for the Black Knights, who plan on increasing last year’s win total. Collins Hill Coach: Jeff Tinklepaugh 2016 record: 14-6, state semifinals Returning starters: MF Rachel Jones, Jr.; MF/DEF Olivia Dedels, Jr.; MF/F Ciara Whitely, Soph.; DEF Emily Shuptrine, Jr.; F/DEF Olivia Chappelle, Jr.; DEF Kalee Brady, Sr. Other key players/newcomers: DEF Callie McBride, Sr.;
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2017 • 5B
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SUPER SIX SOCCER Name: Olivia Dedels School: Collins Hill Class: Junior Twitter handle: @oliviadedels College choice: Name: T.J. Anderson Auburn School: Best GwinWesleyan nett socClass: cer player Senior other than Twitter me: Colhandle: lins Hill’s @tjanderRachel Jones son_3 Favorite U.S. National College Team player: Julie Johnston choice: Favorite thing about socLouisville cer: The friendships I’ve Best Gwinnett soccer made with coaches and player other than me is: teammates Collins Hill’s Rachel Jones Favorite U.S. National Team Song that gets me pumped up for a game: “Congratulaplayer: Lauren Holiday tions” by Post Malone Favorite thing about socSport I’m best at besides cer: Making a perfect pass Song that gets me pumped soccer: I don’t know, I’ve only ever played soccer up for a game: “Bounce Dream job: Sports PsyBack” by Big Sean chologist Sport I’m best at besides Favorite TV show: “The soccer: Basketball Office” Dream job: Pediatrician Favorite TV show: “Blackish” Coach Jeff Tinklepaugh’s Coach Lacy Gilbert’s take: take: “Olivia might be one of the most underrated players “T.J. has led our team in in the county. I attribute a scoring for the past three good portion of our success seasons and ranks second to having her on our team. in assists. She is a strong, She can completely shut physical competitor who down an opposing forward, raises the level of play of take the ball and dribble out those around her, and she’s of trouble. That young lady a respected leader among could dribble out of a wet her teammates. I apprecipaper sack and not damage ate her strong work ethic, dedication to excellence and the sack. There is playing with intensity and then the character she shows on a consistent basis on and off there’s playing with intensity Dedels style.” the field.” leader and team captain, she won’t let anyone work harder than her. Carly is the epitome of the phrase leading by example.”
Name: Rachel Jones School: Collins Hill Class: Junior Twitter handle: @ rjonesylo College Choice: North Carolina Best Gwinnett soccer player other than me: Collins Hill’s Olivia Dedels Favorite U.S. National Team player: Tobin Heath Favorite thing about soccer: Stepping on the field automatically makes all problems go away Song that gets me pumped up for a game: “Congratulations” by Post Malone Sport I’m best at besides soccer: I’ve never played another sport, I don’t know Dream job: U.S. Women’s National Team player Favorite TV show: “Friends” Coach Jeff Tinklepaugh’s take: “Rachel is the most dynamic creative player I have had the opportunity to work with. We are looking forward to her making a significant impact this season with less National Team commitments on the calendar. She has a work rate that raises the level of everyone on the team. She will challenge for a ball at midfield with the same intensity that she will challenge for a ball in the box. There’s not a day that goes by that
she doesn’t do something that impresses me.”
the impact she has had on Wesleyan’s soccer program.”
Name: Abigail Mitchell School: Wesleyan Class: Senior Twitter handle: @abbey_ mitchell4 College choice: Clemson Best Gwinnett soccer player other than me is: Greater Atlanta Christian’s Taylor Mason Favorite U.S. National Team player: Julie Johnston Favorite thing about soccer: Playing with my friends Song that gets me pumped up for a game: “I Know” by Big Sean Sport I’m best at besides soccer: Swimming Dream job: Lawyer Favorite TV show: “Impractical Jokers” Coach Lacy Gilbert’s take: “Abbey is an all-around team player, leading our team in assists and second in scoring for the last two seasons. Her knowledge of the game, dedication and commitment to growing as a player, and her competitive drive make her a force on the field. She’s a leader in games and practices, and while she is one of the most focused and intense players, she’s also a great encourager to her teammates. I am thankful for
Name: Brittany Montgomery School: Grayson Class: Senior Twitter handle: @_ Brittlynnn College choice: Brown University Best Gwinnett soccer player other than me is: Mill Creek’s Keely Hoppmeyer Favorite U.S. National Team player: Tobin Heath Favorite thing about soccer: Creating bonds with my teammates Song that gets me pumped up for a game: “Fergalicious” by Fergie Sport I’m best at besides soccer: Basketball Dream job: CEO of my own business Favorite TV show: “Pretty Little Liars” Coach Rebekah Bullock’s take: “Brittany is an explosive player with the ability to turn on a dime. She has an eye for the goal and composure in front of the net that allow her to put away her chances. She has been a force since her freshman year and has scored 52 career goals and had 17 assists. She embodies the ideals of a true student-athlete, and strives to continue learning and developing as a player.”
2017 GIRLS SOCCER TEAM PREVIEWS GK Kate Dougherty, Sr.; F Lily Dougherty, Jr.; MF Sara McDade, Jr.; MF Nina Cisic, Jr.; MF Nadia Basto, Fr.; F Shea Bonacci, Fr. Outlook: Collins Hill has just six starters back from a semifinal team, but they are highly talented players. Leading the way are Jones, a North Carolina commit, and Dedels, an Auburn commit, while Kate Dougherty, an Arizona State signee for lacrosse, boosts the goalie position. Discovery Coach: Jonathan Mihetiu 2016 record: 3-14-1 Returning starters: GK Juliana Carpio, Sr.; MF Vivian Giraldo, Jr.; MF Diana Ramos, Sr.; MF Stephanie Perez, Sr.; DEF Alexis Pitts, Sr.; DEF Ashari Gordon, Sr.; DEF Ximena Martinez, Jr.; MF Angel Antunez, Soph. Outlook: After winning three games in their inaugural season, the Titans want to be even more competitive in Year 2. Duluth Coach: Jordan White 2016 record: 7-10-1, first round of state playoffs Key players: DEF/GK Rajvi Amin, Jr.; F Madeline McCurry, Fr.; MF Nessi Munive, Soph.; MF Angela Vazquez, Soph.; MF Gabby Davis, Jr.; F Nadia Dixon, Sr.; MF Kalvine Tonner, Soph.; MF Roya Behzadi, Sr.; DEF/MF Hailey Tigue, Soph.; DEF Kai Jeffries, Sr.; MF Roni Wengenroth, Jr.; MF Alex Reyes, Soph.; MF Nikki Kakkad, Sr.; F/DEF Nadira Colbert, Soph.; DEF Madison Richardson, Sr.; F Lesley Torres, Jr.; DEF Aleah White, Fr.; MF Valentina Orozco, Soph.; DEF Sarah Gordon, Soph.; GK Maria Branch, Jr. Outlook: New head coach White hopes to take the Wildcats back to the postseason, which is always a challenge in a difficult region. Grayson Coach: Rebekah Bullock 2016 record: 13-4, second round of state playoffs Returning starters: GK Brianna Tello, Sr.; DEF Symone Cooper, Sr.; DEF/MF Mirela Vojnikovic, Sr.; F Brittany Montgomery, Sr.; DEF Ashanti Long, Jr.; F Jordyn McCartney, Jr.; MF Ally Shoemaker, Soph.; MF/F Jovana Mijatovic, Soph. Other key players/newcomers: MF Kaitlyn Costello, Jr.; MF/F Jazmine Theus, Jr.; MF/F Sophie Polo, Sr. Outlook: Some talented players were lost to graduation, most notably Gatorade National Player of the Year Ella Stevens, now a freshman at Duke. Leading this season is Brown recruit Montgomery, who has 52 goals and 17 assists in her career. Cooper, a Murray State recruit, and Vojnikovic also are important players. Meadowcreek Coach: Alejandro Casillas 2016 record: 2-13 Returning starters: DEF Kim Serrano, Sr.; MF Arley Valle, Jr.; GK Kate Sandoval, Soph.; DEF Brenda Vasquez, Soph.; DEF Liz Pena, Soph.; MF Itzel
Ayala, Sr. Outlook: Casillas can build on six experienced starters coming back with hopes of improving on last year’s two wins. Mill Creek Coach: Vince Hayes 2016 record: 12-6, second round of state playoffs Returning starters: MF Jenna Miller, Soph.; MF Keely Hoppmeyer, Sr.; MF Kristina Burkingstock, Sr.; MF Izzy Eigenbauer, Sr.; MF Elena Guerra, Jr.; MF Torrie Wilson, Sr.; DEF Marissa Harkins, Sr.; DEF Madison Hatfield, Sr.; DEF Madeline Gann, Sr.; DEF Sammie Smith, Soph.; GK Madison Jarvis, Sr. Other key players/newcomers: MF Allison Amrocowicz, Fr. Outlook: Expectations are high for the Hawks, thanks to 11 returning starters from one of the county’s top 2016 teams. The standouts back include college recruits Hoppmeyer (Southern Miss), Burkingstock (Armstrong State), Eigenbauer (Gardner-Webb), Harkins (Truett-McConnell), Hatfield (Piedmont) and Jarvis (Huntingdon). Mountain View Coach: Donald Macoy 2016 record: 6-10-1 Returning starters: DEF Paige Taylor, Sr.; DEF Jillian Walker, Sr.; MF Jessica Stebnicki, Jr. Other key players/newcomers: MF Megan Hollander, Jr.; F Sydney Woods, Soph.; DEF Lea Vermillion, Soph.; F Kennedy Jackson, Fr.; DEF Isabel Felger, Fr. Outlook: First-year coach Macoy will have a young team that has just three starters back from last season. The Bears still have enough young talent to compete for a playoff spot. Norcross Coach: Ryan Burkhart 2016 record: 9-7 Returning starters: MF Kirsten Leggitt, Sr.; F Natalie Simon, Sr.; F Callie Schall, Sr.; MF Andrea Magana, Jr.; DEF Kam King, Jr.; DEF Jenny Francis, Soph.; DEF Abbie Alf, Soph.; GK Erin Stitt, Soph.; DEF Shelton White, Soph. Other key players/newcomers: MF Katie Chuckran, Fr.; F Kenia Bardales, Fr. Outlook: A 2016 season that finished without a playoff spot was disappointing, but the Blue Devils are equipped to amend that with nine returning starters. North Gwinnett Coach: Jeff Becker 2016 record: 13-6, state quarterfinals Returning starters: GK Greer Rickett, Jr.; DEF Carly Anderson, Sr.; DEF Marin Sebestyen, Jr.; DEF Riley George, Jr.; MF Natalia Zapata, Jr.; F Emily Mason, Jr.; MF Kaitlin Andrews, Sr. Other key players/newcomers: F Presley Philips, Soph.; MF Kory Rodas, Soph.; DEF Megan Rasche, Jr.; DEF Katie Dunn, Sr.; F Clare Kuchvalek, Jr. Outlook: A solid core back from an Elite Eight team leaves the Bulldogs with high expecta-
tions this season. Anderson leads a strong defense with three returning starters. Parkview Coach: Judson Hamby 2016 record: 14-5, first round of state playoffs Returning starters: DEF Maya Boles, Sr.; MF Mckenna Lupori, Sr; DEF Chloe Whittaker, Sr.; DEF Michelle Lapenta, Soph.; GK Sara Halilhodzic, Jr.; DEF Cynthia Gonzalez, Sr.; MF Bree Harvey, Soph.; MF Mariana Almanza, Soph.; MF Adamarys Adame, Jr.; F Mariel Criswell, Jr. Other key players/newcomers: F Katelin Brown, Jr.; MF Tesfanesh McDonald, Jr.; DEF Kelsey Sauers, Jr. Outlook: Parkview graduated two of the county’s top playmakers, Emma Carlson (now at Duke) and Katie Hickman (Auburn). But the Panthers still have talent to build around, including college recruits Boles (Georgia State), Lupori (Alabama State) and Whittaker (West Georgia). Peachtree Ridge Coach: Megan Hill 2016 record: 12-6 Returning starters: GK Ani Heineman, Jr.; DEF Joselle Morche, Jr.; DEF Carly Canzoneri, Soph.; DEF Dorian McGraw, Sr.; MF Grace Green, Sr.; F Erin Harris, Sr.; F Kam Downs, Sr.; F Ireland Bryant, Soph. Outlook: Peachtree Ridge had a nice record, but didn’t finish like it wanted last spring. Things look good in the preseason with college-bound Kohne (Georgia College), Downs (Kennesaw State), Harris (Kennesaw State) and Morche (Murray State) leading the way. Seven talented freshmen also have a chance to make an impact. Shiloh Coach: Sarah Richards 2016 record: 1-14-1 Returning starters: GK Gleymi Hernandez, Sr.; DEF Rowan Irons, Sr.; MF Celesie Alonso, Sr.; F Aessiah Wicks, Sr.; MF Vanessa Anagbo, Sr.; MF Lydia Mekennon, Sr.; F Amira Brun, Sr. Other key players/newcomers: DEF Beverly Morales, Jr.; DEF Sydney Gipson, Soph.; F Gianna Tyrseck, Fr.; MF Nancy Cabrera, Jr.; DEF Chenelle Anagbo, Jr.; MF Isabel Arscott, Soph.; DEF Mariana Coss, Sr.; MF Dahana Giron, Soph. Outlook: Experience is in the Generals’ favor with seven returning starters, all seniors. South Gwinnett Coach: Simone Grant 2016 record: 2-12 Key players: F/MF Kendra Davis, Fr.; DEF Unique Ward, Fr.; F/MF Rachel Lindsay, Fr.; GK Ashley Wilburn, Jr.; F Lissette Sanchez, Fr.; An’Zanay Allen, Fr.; Maria Ramos Concepcion, Jr.; Amber Nickelberry, Sr.; Jada Maynard, Fr. Outlook: Grant, a first-year coach, will build around young players in hopes of improving on last year’s two-win total. Class AAAAAA
Dacula Coach: Mark Karen 2016 record: 14-5, first round of state playoffs Returning starters: MF/DEF Abby Preteroti, Sr.; MF/DEF Taylor Severy, Sr.; DEF Skylar English, Jr.; MF Becky Contreras, Soph.; MF/DEF Madison Severy Other key players/newcomers: MF/DEF Laura Ann Williams, Sr.; DEF Andi Wells, Soph.; GK Payton Prokes, Soph.; MF Sydney Stephen, Jr.; MF Kaela Callum, Jr.; MF Kaitlyn Portillo, Soph. Outlook: Dacula was the surprise of the region last season, sharing the title with traditional powers Grayson and Parkview and reaching the state title. Dropping down in classification should help the Falcons maintain that success, though losing midfielder Kenedi Rodney (to track) and top returning forward Danai Chimedza (to a knee injury) won’t help. Lanier Coach: Bryan Allen 2016 record: 10-9, first round of state playoffs Returning starters: Beatriz Calva; Deborah Fidler; Nina Johnson; Anaelle Moleka; Caroline Butler, Sarah Garton; Donnie Galan; Brooke Ouimette Other key players/newcomers: Ashley Armstrong; Beth Stiltner; Jessica Smith; Evelyn Schiefelbien; Carmen Brivette Outlook: The Longhorns started as many as eight freshmen last season, Allen’s first with the program, and still finished fourth in the region to make state. Some close losses took Lanier, which has a four-year goalkeeper starter in Polanco, from the top seed to fourth in the region. Class AAAAA Buford Coach: Drew Eager 2016 record: 18-3, state semifinals Returning starters: F Mario Maggio, Sr.; DEF Annie Mayo, Sr.; GK Caleigh Rowan, Sr.; DEF Kylie Buchanan, Jr.; DEF Kristen Edmond, Jr.; MF Sydney McCullough, Jr.; MF Regan Coleman, Jr.; MF Cameron Hall, Soph.; F Morgan Smith, Soph. Other key players/newcomers: MF Maggie Davis, Soph.; MF Julia Lewis, Jr.; GK Maggie Leland, Fr.; DEF Natalie Maurer, Fr.; DEF Jada Caraballo, Fr.; DEF Elissy Ponton, Fr.; MF Paige Huffine, Fr.; MF Angeli Burgos, Fr.; MF Sydney Borgelt, Fr.; F Ava Sherman, Fr.; F Arden Paulino, Fr.; F Heidi Orr, Fr. Outlook: Coming off a Final Four season, the Wolves are loaded for another playoff run. Five Buford players have made college decisions — Mayo (Columbus State), Maggio (North Georgia), Buchanan (Mercer), Hall (Florida) and Edmond (Georgia). Class AAA GAC Coach: Mike Giuliano 2016 record: 13-5-1, state semifinals Returning starters: F Anna Hedges, Jr.; MF Liz Vega, Sr.; DEF Taylor Mason, Sr.; F Jor-
dan Crawford, Jr.; DEF Shantel Hutton, Soph. Other key players/newcomers: GK Kennedy Tolson, Soph.; DEF Kaitlyn Williams, Fr.; MF Payton Gully, Fr. Outlook: The Spartans were denied a third straight state title last spring by Lovett in the semifinals. Five starters are back from that team, including college signees Mason (Hawaii) and Vega (Rhodes). Class A Hebron Coach: Calin Pop 2016 record: 10-9, second round of state playoffs Returning starters: MF Hannah Hardin; MF Emily Boyd; MF Maddy Hardin; DEF Lydia Atkinson; F Payton Johnson; DEF Grace Jackson; DEF Holly Draper; DEF Ashley Sperring Other key players/newcomers: F Jadyn Steele; MF Ashley Allen; MF Regan Muldowney; GK Annie Garner; DEF Alexia Tatuta; MF Candace Grone Outlook: Hebron won the 2015 state championship with a 16-2-1 record, then followed it up with another state playoff appearance. Eight starters are back for a team that wants a repeat of the postseason trip. Providence Coach: Katie Bailey 2016 record: 5-10 Returning starters: MF Zoe Albury, Jr.; MF Sydney Hendricks, Jr.; MF Kelsey Hoskin, Sr.; DEF Rachel Lowery, Sr.; DEF Connie Schneider, Sr.; GK Mallory Larson, Sr.; MF Lara Henry, Soph.; DEF Lindsay Mayer, Soph.; MF Audrey Scoggins, Soph. Other key players/newcomers: DEF Leah Stone, Jr.; F Cate Lee, Soph.; GK Ansley Larson, Fr.; MF Makayla Postma, Fr.; MF Hannah Stewman, Fr. Outlook: The Storm failed to make last year’s playoffs, but first-year coach Katie Bailey has an improving bunch. Nine returning starters give her a nice boost in her debut season.
Wesleyan Coach: Lacy Gilbert 2016 record: 14-5-1, state quarterfinals Returning starters: MF/F Abigail Mitchell, Sr.; MF/F T.J. Anderson, Sr.; DEF Barrett Ramsey, Sr.; MF/F Paige Prettyman, Sr.; DEF Katia Hanger, Jr.; DEF Gracie Mitchell, Jr.; DEF/F Sadie Prince, Jr.; F/DEF Sutton West, Jr.; MF/F Izzy Moratti, Soph. Other key players/newcomers: MF Whitney Archer, Sr.; MF/F Sarah Kate Brown, Jr.; DEF Tatiana Hamade, Jr.; GK Sarah Moon, Jr.; GK Madison Lloyd, Jr; MF Lexi Jerding, Soph.; MF Kris Laurite, Soph.; MF Caroline Hayes, Soph.; DEF Sophie Parsonnet, Soph.; F/MF Lucy Mitchell, Fr.; MF Ashley Cowart, Fr.; GK Tatum Connor, Fr.; GK Izzy Larsen, Fr. Outlook: Wesleyan has made deep playoff runs annually, which shouldn’t change with its drop from Class AA to A. The lineup features talent and depth, as well as Division I signees Abigail Mitchell (Clemson) and Anderson (Louisville).