SOCCER TEAM

This season, all three Monroe County teams managed winning records, a feat driven by the talented young women who populated the rosters. Key West finished 10-7 in its challenging schedule, stacking up seven shutouts and scoring 54 goals in the 17-game season. Marathon finished 8-7 with five shutouts and 49 goals in just 15 games. Coral Shores finished 10-5 on the season. The ’Canes registered eight shutouts and netted 39 goals in 15 games, making it to the district final match. With just four seniors on the All-Keys roster, the future of prep soccer in the Keys looks exciting.

From all of us at the Keys Weekly Newspapers, congratulations to the 2023 Keys Weekly All-Keys Girls Soccer Team.

In her sixth year playing for the Lady Fins’ varsity program, McDonald shored up the midfield, serving as an integral link between the offense and defense. “Riley can be summed up in one word: dependable,” said McDonald, who coaches her daughter. “She is often overlooked on the field because she is where she needs to be, doing what she is supposed to be doing. She is also masterful in the area of clock management.”

Forward Reese Elwell scored six goals for Marathon in the first half of the season, moving to wing when injuries forced changes for the Fins. “When we needed to change our lineup, Reese moved to her new role unselfishly and cheerfully,” said McDonald. “She is the type of player who will literally run herself into the ground before giving up and her tenacity is admirable.”

With 22 goals and five assists this season, junior forward Kathryn Smith was a threat every time she touched the ball. “Kathryn is one of those dominant offensive forces that only comes along a few times in a team’s history,” said Conchs head coach Scott Paul. “She has a combination of speed, athleticism and toughness that makes her very hard to stop in front of the goal. Kathryn came into her own this year and should be unstoppable next season.”

Conchs midfielder Nikole “Nikki” Tomita netted seven goals and five assists this season. “Nikki is what you need as an engine in the midfield of any team,” said Paul. “She is super confident on the ball and can play with both speed and physical toughness through a crowded midfield. Nikki emerged as a leader on the field, ‘the straw that stirred the drink’ of the Lady Conchs’ offense.”

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald

MADDIE KILDUFF Freshman, Key West

Maddie Kilduff chalked up six goals and five assists this season as just a freshman. “Players like Maddie don’t come around often, and it is a joy to see someone play with an abundance of developed talent and competitiveness on the field when you know she hasn’t even hit her prime,” said Paul. “She is playful off the field, but fierce and determined on the field. Her future here looks very bright.”

Teagan Lavin

Conchs goalie Teagan Lavin is the stingiest keeper in the Keys, shutting out seven opponents this season. “I said at the beginning of the season that I thought Teagan would be one of the best to ever play in goal for us, and we have had a few very good goalkeepers,” said Paul. “Teagan is always willing to learn and develop her game and is one of the most coachable players I have had the pleasure to work with. Dominance and loads of skill are just two of her strengths.”

Key West’s Grace Andrew is a multi-talented defender who found the goal three times this season and assisted twice. “Grace makes everything happen in the defensive half of the field when it comes to transitioning from defense to offense,” said Paul. “She has turned into a nearly perfect stopper or defensive midfielder in just a very short time span. She is very hard to beat and can get up and down the field with the best of players.”

Conchs sweeper Skylar Lanoue helped Key West shut out opponents seven times this season. “Skylar grew quickly from a JV player a short time ago to a dominant sweeper who can control and guide the backline of the defense,” said Paul. “She was a strong voice in her position and an extremely fierce competitor. At her best, she could shut down strong offensive players with her smart play and physical toughness.”

SOFIA JANS Sophomore, Coral Shores

Hurricanes midfielder Sofia Jans scored nine goals with four assists this season. “Sofia was the core to our midfield,” said Coral Shores head coach Zachary Owens. “She distributed the ball well and was a great team player. She showed up to play every day at practice and at games. Teammates looked to her for help on the field and as a friend off the field.”

Freshman forward Kai Redruello netted nine goals and nine assists this season playing forward for the ’Canes. “Kai was our finisher. We looked to her to take a shot and place the ball in the back of the net,” said Owens. “Kai worked hard on and off the field. She knew when she needed to be selfish and when to distribute.”

Hurricanes defender Saydie Hendrix kept opponents’ offenses in check this season, playing a key role in Coral Shores’ ironclad defense. “Despite her small stature, Saydie was a force to be reckoned with on the right side,” said Owens. “She was quick and agile. Many teams had a tough time getting around her, and once she won the ball she would look to distribute the ball and start the attack.”

A four-year varsity player for the Hurricanes, sweeper/fullback Edy Kemmer took her role as team captain seriously. “Edy was our anchor in the back. She was the team captain. She was trusted with the last line of defense and made her presence known to the opposing team. We had 8 clean sheets this year and Edy was a part of the reason why.”

By: Tracy and Sean McDonald