Get to know the Greater Lansing high school girls soccer teams
Here is an overview of the high school girls soccer teams in Greater Lansing. This reflects information provided by area programs.
CAAC BLUE
▶ Coaches' predictions: T-1. DeWitt, T-1. Okemos, 3. Grand Ledge, 4. East Lansing, 5. Holt, T-6. Everett, T-6. Waverly
▶ Top players: Ella Baird, Grand Ledge; Carly Dennis, DeWitt; Allison Korb, Okemos; Madison McDonald, DeWitt; Olivia Preisser, East Lansing
DEWITT
▶ Last season: 13-7-3, 5-1 (2nd)
▶ Coach: Erica Clement (3rd season)
▶ Top returners: Madison McDonald (jr.) G, Carly Dennis (so.) D, Julia Fowler (so.) D, Norah Lutz (sr.) D, Nicole O’Neal (jr.) M, Ava Jacobsen (jr.) M, Ava Mardigan (so.) F, Cate Piesko (jr.) M
▶ Other contributors: Ava Hanus (fr.) D, Katelyn Jameson (fr.) M, Sailor Stevens (fr.) M/F
▶ Outlook: McDonald and Dennis are returning all-state performers for the Panthers, who hope to contend for a CAAC Blue title.
EAST LANSING
▶ Last season: 12-4-3, 4-1-2 (3rd)
▶ Coach: Jeff Lyon (13th season)
▶ Top returners: Olivia Preisser (sr.) M, Zoe Hagan (jr.) G, Caroline Kirschner (jr.) M, Peyton Speakes (jr.) D, Kinsey McAndrews (jr.) M, Sydni Ooten (jr.) D, Eliana Rojas (so.) M, Brennan Ford (sr.) D
▶ Other contributors: Nina VanOtternen (jr.) M, Olin Moyer (so.) M, Grace Mitchell (jr.) D, Ty Wysong (sr.) D
▶ Outlook: The Trojans had their most wins in more than 15 years last spring, but lost several core players from that squad. East Lansing hopes to build on last year’s success with younger players contributing. Preisser, Hagan are returning first team all-CAAC Blue players.
EVERETT
▶ Last season: 5-11-1, 1-6-1 (6th)
▶ Coach: Samantha Gifford (1st season)
▶ Top returners: Alaqiya Mohamat (sr.) M/F, Esther Francois (sr.) M, Keiby Manzana (sr.) M, Ruth Francois (jr.) F
▶ Outlook: Mohamat, Manzana and Esther and Ruth Francois are third-year varsity players for the Vikings. Everett will look to them to lead a group of newer players who have joined the program. Gifford hopes the Vikings begin the process of growing and working hard together and eventually winning together.
GRAND LEDGE
▶ Last season: 7-9-3, 3-3-1 (4th)
▶ Coach: David Blanzy (6th season)
▶ Top returners: Ella Baird (jr.) F, Ava Parker (sr.) M, Emma Anderson (jr.) M, Piper Rosalin (sr.) M, Izo Kelly (jr.) F, Katelyn Roberts (jr.) D, Clare Powers (so.) F, Sam Powers (so.) D
▶ Other contributors: Belle Harper (so.) D, Elliot Mullett (so.) F, Maddison Aten (so.) M
▶ Outlook: The Comets have a strong core of returning players led by Baird, who earned all-league honors and was the leading scorer last spring. With contributions from some new additions, Grand Ledges aims to be competitive and challenge for the CAAC Blue title.
HOLT
▶ Last season: 7-6-2, 2-4 (5th)
▶ Coach: Aaron Smith (15th season)
▶ Top returners: Samantha Pell (sr.) M, Haley Hackett (sr.) D, Brooke Alberts (jr.) M, Taylor Crosslan (sr.) G, Ella Marciniak-Jennings (sr.) F, Ella Reaves (jr.) M, Kaitlyn Sandtveit (sr.) D, Ava Stowell (jr.) D, Lylaann Stitt (so.) M
▶ Other contributors: Rylie Ysasi (so.) F, Lena Smith (sr.) M, Kara Baker (so.) D, Chloe Buckley (so.) D
▶ Outlook: Holt has a large core of three-year starters in Alberts, Crosslan, Marciniak-Jennings, Reaves and Stowell, while Pell and Hackett were honorable mention all-league performers. The Rams hope to finish in the top portion of the CAAC Blue and earn a spot in the Gold Cup.
OKEMOS
▶ Last season: 12-2-2, 5-0-1 (1st)
▶ Coach: Keith Miller (3rd season)
▶ Top returners: Ponya Gross (sr.) D, Maude Lewis (sr.) D, Karissa Theis (sr.) D, Allison Korb (jr.) D, Nina Pincheira (sr.) M, Elliana Tapscott (sr.) M
▶ Other contributors: Phoebe Malinek (jr.) M, Avani Pavangadkar (so.) F, Calle Guggemos (so.) F, Lily Vega (jr.) F, Grace Stanley (sr.) M, Mattie Thompson (so.) G
▶ Outlook: The Wolves return the core of their defense from a squad that allowed just six goals last season but will have to replace the production of their goalkeeper and top scorer. Miller expects the back six to keep Okemos in games as it attempts to have another strong season.
WAVERLY
▶ Last season: 4-12-1, 0-6-1 (6th)
▶ Coach: Kevin Kacel (8th season)
▶ Top returners: Faith Simmons (sr.) M/F, Elizabeth Angers (sr.) D/M, Madison Medina (jr.) F/M, Taharah Harris (sr.) D/M, Amirrah Smith (sr.) D, Cylah McClellan (jr.) M/F, Inaysia Martinez (so.) M/F
▶ Other contributors: Adrian Gimm-Bergh (fr.) M/G, Aniyah Cooks (jr.) D, Lilly Blanck (jr.) D/G, Makayla Damico (fr.) M/F
▶ Outlook: The Warriors have six returning starters, which includes fourth-year varsity players in Simmons, Angers, Harris and Smith. Simmons is committed to Olivet and was Waverly’s second-leading scorer. The Warriors have experience in the back line and midfield but hope to have someone step up as a goal scorer this spring.
CAAC RED
▶ Coaches' predictions: 1. Mason, 2. Williamston, 3. Haslett, 4. St. Johns, 5. Fowlerville, 6. Eastern
▶ Top players: Ragyn Cady, Mason; Sydney Eiler, Williamston; Elly Gorsline, Williamston; Lexi Haynie, Mason; Makayla Muhammad, Haslett; Ashley Stover, Williamston; Audrey Walkington, Mason
FOWLERVILLE
▶ Last season: 8-8, 1-5 (5th)
▶ Coach: Heather Hartke (1st season)
▶ Top returners: Mia Jaeger (sr.) D/F, Morgan Chaliss (sr.) D/M, Autumn Carr (jr.) M/F, Cailyn Cockerill (jr.) M/F, Kyla Durbin (sr.) G, Emma Copeland (jr.) M/F
▶ Other contributors: Molly Durbin (sr.) D, Moly Kilpela (sr.) M
▶ Outlook: The Gladiators have a core of varsity veterans with Jaeger and Chaliss being in their fourth seasons and Carr, Copeland and Cockerill in their third years. Hartke hopes that experience helps Fowlerville have an improved season.
HASLETT
▶ Last season: 9-8-1, 3-2 (3rd)
▶ Coach: Dave Littleton (9th season)
▶ Top returners: Danielle Cleveland (jr.) M, Leah Crist (sr.) F, Nicole Heeschen (jr.) M, Della Dillon (sr.) M, Alexis Turner (so.) M, Paige Ide (sr.) D, Jocelyn Campbell (sr.) D, Alyssa Horwath (so.) D
▶ Other contributors: Makayla Muhammad (jr.) D, Mya Muhammad (fr.) F, Alex Sharrow (fr.) F, Nina Kaletovic (fr.) M
▶ Outlook: With seven returning varsity players, including all-league performers in Cleveland and Turner, the Vikings expect to be successful in the CAAC Red and challenge for a district title. Newcomers Makayla Muhammad, Mya Muhammad and Sharrow are expected to be key contributors for Haslett.
MASON
▶ Last season: 13-5-1, 5-0 (1st)
▶ Co-coaches: Christie Hursey / Ethan Felsing (17th season / 2nd season)
▶ Top returners: Reegyn Cady (sr.) M, Mya Carnevale (sr.) M, Lexi Haynie (so.) M, McKenzie Lockwood (jr.) F, Sarah Pluff (jr.) D/M, Ava Ruster (jr.) D, Audrey Walkington (sr.) G, Allie Wheeler (sr) D
▶ Other contributors: Bailey Stewart (sr.) F, Lily Graham (sr.) D, Brenna Budzynski (fr.) M
▶ Outlook: The Bulldogs are working to compete for another league title this spring. Cady and Wheeler are fourth-year varsity players who earned all-league honors last season for Mason. Carnevale, Haynie, Pluff, Ruster, Walkington and Lockwood are other all-league performers back for the Bulldogs.
WILLIAMSTON
▶ Last season: 13-6-1, 3-1-1 (2nd)
▶ Coach: Erin Richards (2nd season)
▶ Top returners: Ashley Stover (sr.) M, Sydney Eiler (sr.) D, Elly Gorsline (so.) M, Ava Palmatier (jr.) G, Athena Hart (jr.) F, Ava Broka (sr.) M, Kailean Mercado (so.) F
▶ Other contributors: Ella Schafer (sr.) D, Avery Rojek (so.) D, Maya McCullen (fr.) F
▶ Outlook: Stover, Eiler and Gorsline are returning all-state selections for the Hornets from their district championship squad. Richards said the mix of returning veterans and newcomers should help Williamston contend for a league title.
CAAC WHITE
▶ Coaches' predictions: 1. Eaton Rapids, 2. Lansing Catholic, T-3. Portland, T-3. Olivet, 5. Charlotte, 6. Ionia, 7. Lakewood
▶ Top players: Kennedie Crow, Eaton Rapids; Madison Norton, Eaton Rapids
CHARLOTTE
▶ Last season: 6-8, 1-4 (4th)
▶ Coach: John Hoesli (5th season)
▶ Top returners: Jaelyn Baker (sr.) M/F, Mackenzie MacDonald (jr.) M, Emma Carns (sr.) M/D, Brookelyn Friar (jr.) F
▶ Other contributors: Addison Antcliff (so.) M/F, Peyton Howarth (fr..) F, Zoey DiVietri D
▶ Outlook: The Orioles graduated a large group of seniors and will focus this spring on incorporating new players into the system and adapting to the speed of play at the varsity level.
EATON RAPIDS
▶ Last season: 8-6-3 (1st)
▶ Coach: Andy Crow (1st season)
▶ Top returners: Kennedie Crow (so.) F/M, Madison Norton (sr.) D, Amanda Zeller (sr.) D/F, Hannah Garity (so.) F, Kylie Alvarez (so.) M
▶ Other contributors: Alaina Dodge (sr.) M, Sidney Thompson (sr.) M, Taylor Crow (jr.) D, Mara Elorza-Gil (sr.) M
▶ Outlook: Kennedie Crow and Norton are returning all-league selections for the Greyhounds, who hope to build on their league championship. The expectations are high and Coach Crow said staying connected on and off the field and executing to their ability can help Eaton Rapids again find success.
IONIA
▶ Last season: 3-14-1 (5th)
▶ Coach: Ben Wolford (3rd season)
▶ Top returners: Kelila Rustin (sr.) M/G, Tessa Masengale (jr.) M/D
▶ Other contributors: Alexa Barna (so.) F, Isabelle Vasquez (jr.) D
▶ Outlook: Rustin, Masengale and Vasquez are returning all-league players for the Bulldogs, who will try to improve their win total this spring.
OLIVET
▶ Last season: 13-5-1, 8-2 (2nd GLAC)
▶ Coach: Marco A. Hernandez (7th season)
▶ Top returners: Caycee Carpenter (sr.) D, Leah Kiss (sr.) D, Lily Weaver (jr.) M/D, Victoria Murphy (so.) M/F, Evey Stenger (sr.) M/f
▶ Other contributors: Avery Brand (sr.) M, Kendall Beam (sr.) F, Emmalie Letts (sr.) D/M, Addison Burkett (so.) D, Hayden Gardner (sr.) G, Kristen Griffen (so.) M
▶ Outlook: Carpenter is a fourth-year starter and is joined by Kiss, Weaver, Murphy and Stenger as returning All-GLAC performers. Olivet will try to maintain a strong defense and will try to establish its offense as it aims to find success with the move to the CAAC White.
CMAC
▶ Coaches' predictions: 1. Laingsburg, 2. Lansing Christian, T-3. Bath, T-3. Dansville, 5. Perry, 6. Potterville
▶ Top players: Lydia Brogan, Lansing Christian; Addison Elkins, Laingsburg; Desire Knoblauch, Laingsburg; Ava Mustapha, Lansing Christian
DANSVILLE
▶ Last season: 10-6-1, 6-3-1 (3rd)
▶ Coach: Michael Loveless (1st season)
▶ Top returners: Bella Baker (jr.) M, Faith Caroen (jr.) M
▶ Other contributors: Izzy Joseph (so.) G, Cadence Seibert (fr.) M/F
▶ Outlook: Loveless is excited about the young talent and veteran leadership on the Aggies roster. Baker and Caoroen are third-year varsity players and captains for Dansville.
LAINGSBURG
▶ Last season: 13-5-3
▶ Coach: Natalie Elkins (3rd season)
▶ Top returners: Desire Knoblauch (sr.) F, Addison Elkins (sr.) D/M, Callie Clark (sr.) F, Ivy Collier (jr.) M, Joy Antcliff (sr.) G, Addison Rusz (jr.) M
▶ Other contributors: Samantha Gutzman (fr.) D
▶ Outlook: Knoblauch set the varsity goal record last spring and along with Addison Elkins was an honorable mention all-state selection last season. Laingsburg expects to have another strong season and believes a challenging nonleague schedule will provide valuable preparation.
LANSING CHRISTIAN
▶ Last season: 14-5-2
▶ Coach: Tommy Ziolkowski (3rd season)
▶ Top returners: Lydia Brogan (jr.) D, Ava Mustapha (jr.) F, Grace Sullivan (sr.) G, Sophie Hazelton (jr.) D, Katie Leavitt (so. ) M, Juliette Talon (so.) M
▶ Other contributors: Natalie Adams (fr.) M, Nico Fata (fr.), Savanah Yako (fr.) F, Kylie Damesworth (fr.) F
▶ Outlook: Mustapha is a returning Division 4 all-state selection, while Brogan, Sullivan and Hazelton are all-league performers back for the Pilgrims.
POTTERVILLE
▶ Last season: 2-14-2 (5th)
▶ Coach: David Cates (1st season)
▶ Top returners: Emily Cates (jr.) M, Brenna Vermetti (jr.) M, Mallory Fee (jr.) G, Kelsey Stiver (jr.)
▶ Other contributors: Kendall Lienerth (fr.) F/M, Bailey Martin (so.) D, Ella Losey (jr.) M, Brooke Glover (jr.) M, Grace Baker (so.) M, Reagan Miller (so.) D
▶ Outlook: The Vikings are looking to a season junior class to lead the way. Emily Cates, Vermetti, Fee and Stiver are third-year varsity players for Potterville. Coach Cates hopes the freshmen and sophomore can play roles in helping the Vikings build their program.
OTHERS
ITHACA
▶ Last season: 4-15-3 (7th TVC)
▶ Coach: Paige Beracy (7th season)
▶ Top returners: Emily Ahearn (sr.) M/F, Brynnen Lamey (sr.) D, Kayla Hindall (sr.) M, Jenna Cantu (sr.) M
▶ Other contributor: Sage Lamey (fr.) M
▶ Outlook: Ahearn has led the Yellowjackets in scoring the last three seasons and earned all-state accolades. Beracy said Ithaca has the most experienced roster it has had in a long time and hopes that results in an improved season.
OVID-ELSIE
▶ Last season: 15-3-3
▶ Coach: Jerome White (2nd season)
▶ Top returners: Evalyn Cole (sr.) M, Ava Bates (sr.) G, Hailee Campbell (sr.) M, Dannika Campbell (so.) D, Lily Bates (so.) M/F, Madison Thornton (jr.) M, Anna Lukas (jr.) D, Alyson Moore (so.) D, McKenzie Keck (so.) M
▶ Other contributors: Genevieve Hills (sr.) D, Sophie Sweet (jr.) D/M, Amy Davis (sr.) F/M
▶ Outlook: Ovid-Elsie expects to be in the mix for the MMAC title and has nine returning starters, including an honorable mention all-state goalkeeper in Bates and a league player of the year in Cole. The Marauders are breaking in new players who will provide depth and their contributions will be important in the program’s quest for success.
STOCKBRIDGE
▶ Last season: 3-14-1
▶ Coach: Jeremy Killinger
▶ Top returners: Grace Lackey (jr.) G, Clarissa Hill (sr.) M, Miley Moser (sr.) M, Annie Borowy (sr.) F, Alyna Adkins (jr.) M, Kaden Carpenter (sr.) D
▶ Other contributors: Cecelia Szekely (jr.) M, Lily Sager (jr.) M, Rose Beaurguard (jr.) F, Ella Hardesty (so.) F, Rachel Vliet (so.) M, Mya Marshall (so.) M
▶ Outlook: Stockbridge has a core of seniors who Killinger believes will carry his program through the middle of the field forward. Getting up to speed quickly will be a key for success for the Panthers.
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Greater Lansing high school girls soccer overview
