For the last few years, numbers have struggled in some areas with multiple teams carrying a JV drought year after year.
This year is different.
“I heard the numbers are high with the new incoming ninth graders,” Crofton coach Kevin Castillo said.
He’s not wrong. Teams are reporting large tryouts, with only two teams – the smallest private school in the county, Key, as well as North County – not fielding a junior varsity team. Even then, the Obezags increased their numbers from 14 to 20.
The sport isn’t back to full health. Northeast coach Melissa Leaf noted several teams are still straining to fill two teams. But it’s certainly an improvement.
While most are predicting Broadneck, Chesapeake, South River and two-time defending Class 3A state champion Severna Park as the teams to watch on the public school side, they will have more challengers to fend off than each other.
“Anne Arundel County girls soccer has been very competitive over the last couple years,” Chesapeake coach Kevin Keeter said. “Glen Burnie two years ago and last year Crofton, Chesapeake and Severna Park were all in state semifinals at different levels. I expect that trend to continue with the top tier teams in the county and the competition for the county championship to be tough.
Here’s more on each team. Note: not every coach responded to requests for info:
Arundel
Coach: Caitlin Markowski, fifth season
2024: 8-7 overall and in county
Region: 3A East II
Key returners: Juniors Neha Shrestha (D) and Katie Mutziger (M); sophomores Kaelyn Jackson (F) and Hannah Slifer (M/F).
Newcomer to watch: Freshman Kristin Apodaca (F)
Outlook: The Wildcats seasoned their midfield and backline and are therefore putting their faith in those thirds to lead the team.
Broadneck
Coach: John Camm, 22nd season
2024: 7-8-1 overall, 6-6 in county, region semifinalists
Region: 4A East II
Key returners: Seniors Hadley Crooks (M) and Natalie Crooks (M); sophomores Raegan Milnes (F), Lola Banks (F), Cameron Terhune (GK), Carmen Hubbard (M) and Ashtyn Coates (M).
Newcomers to watch: Freshmen Alyssa Watson (M), Taylor Anthonis (M) and Alexis Ball (M).
Outlook: The Bruins tilt extremely young, as most of the starting 11 bring very little varsity experience to the table this year, but Camm touts his “very skillful freshmen” coming in. Only 14 to 15 players will have significant minutes in their repertoire before the first game this fall.
Coach’s quote: “We will be improved this season, moving toward where we were in 2021 and 2022.”
Chesapeake
Coach: Kevin Keeter, 10th season
2024: 15-4-1 overall, 9-2 in county, state semifinalists
Region: 3A East I
Key returners: Seniors Laney Preslipsky (D), Hannah Williams (D), Ella Cieri (M) and Gracie Asare-Dwamenah (M); juniors Violet Harris (M) and Kendall Kotofski (D).
Outlook: The Cougars that journeyed to the state semifinals last year bring back loads of experience. With eight seniors, 12 juniors, a returning player from an ACL injury and seven returning starters, Chesapeake is excited to enter a new region containing rival Northeast and Baltimore City schools. The question mark surrounds the cage, as last year’s four-year starting goalkeeper graduated and her backup transferred.
Coach’s quote: “The goalkeeping position will be key to our success. We are expecting to challenge for a region title and if fortunate to win a Region hoping to build during the season to a similar run as last year.”
Crofton
Coach: Kevin Castillo, third season
2024: 15-4-1 overall, 10-1 in county, state finalists
Region: 4A East II
Key returners: Seniors Soraya F-Shahraki (M/F), Caroline Carleton (M) and Kaelyn Richardson (GK); juniors Jackie Dutton (D) and Sophie Osborne (F)
Newcomer to watch: Freshman Elena Martinez (D/M)
Outlook: The core of the state finalist 2024 squad returns, predominantly seniors and juniors. In addition, there are tons of rising juniors apparently “hungry” to compete for starting spots.
Coach’s quote: “Every team is out there wanting to win some silverware. There is a system that we have to follow in order to get there so we can take it day by day. We have a tough schedule and I believe that will keep us sharp knowing there is nothing easy and it’s anyone’s game at any given day.”
Glen Burnie
Coach: Kreghan Rebstock Lane, seventh season
2024: 4-7-1 overall, 3-7 in county
Region: 4A East I
Key returning players: Seniors Stephanie Ohl (F) and Katie Wingard (D); junior Nathalie Rodas (M); sophomore Makenna Morgan (M).
Outlook: Numbers ticked up for the Gophers, which lost only two players from the 2024 roster. A full season of playing together could yield a more synergistic result on the turf.
Coach’s outlook: “Consistency, effort and execution. I think we have a schedule that is compatible with our talent and I think there’s a lot of room for success if we work hard day in and day out.”
Key
Coach: Steve Horrigan, second season
2024: 4-10-1 overall, 0-10-1 in conference
Conference: IAAM C
Key returners: Seniors Zailey Tillar (F) and Aoife Lennon (M)
Newcomers to watch: Senior Leilah Horrigan (GK); freshmen Audrey Hopkin (M) and Holly Lunt-Woodward (D)
Outlook: Between adding a lot of new players – including a transfer goalkeeper – and bringing back a senior leader from injury, the Obezags hope to improve from last year’s disappointing finish.
Coach’s quote: “Our initial goal is to enter the playoffs this season after missing for the last several seasons. I believe we are poised to have the first of many successful years and seek to pursue our school’s first conference title in girls soccer.”
North County
Coach: Nick Cosentino, second season
2024: 7-7 overall, 5-5 in county, region finalists
Region: 4A East I
Key returners: Seniors Gianna Cosentino (M) and Taylor Stiegler (GK); junior Malin Jones (M); sophomores Jayda McGowan (D) and Emma Jacobs (M).
Newcomers to watch: Freshmen Hazel Jones (D) and Natalia Jimenez (D).
Outlook: After winning their first region title, graduation left the Knights with seven seniors. Still, Cosentino is hoping the new senior leadership will help repair those holes. That said, they’re facing a challenging schedule.
Coach’s quote: “If we play smart and gel we will compete and make it difficult for our opponents.”
Northeast
Coach: Melissa Leaf, third season
2024: 4-8 overall, 4-6 in county
Region: 3A East I
Key returners: Seniors Sophia Hodges (D/M), Lucianna McGonigal (M/D) and Tatum Moore (M/D); juniors Hayden Flasinski (GK), Karys Flout (F), Isabella Jacoby (M/F), Laila Martinez (M/D), Erika Valdovinos (M/D) and Annabelle Williams (D/M); sophomores Piper Adriano (D) and Olivia Del Moral (M).
Newcomers to watch: Junior Aubrie Sanchez (GK); sophomores Abigail Melton (M/F), Kylie Powell (M/D), Caroline Scott (M) and Gema Serio (D); freshmen Amani Chery (M), Kara Disney (M/D), Kellah Fout (M/F), Olivia Johnson (M/D), Jordan Mavor (GK) and Sophia Rhodes (F).
Outlook: The Eagles are well-stocked number-wise but lack experience as a team mostly armed with underclassmen. They’re moving into a new region with rival Chesapeake, too, opening the door for new opportunities.
Coach’s quote: “We’re hoping to take a big step forward this year as a program between an experienced (but still young) team and a schedule with a lot of competitive ‘50-50’ regular-season games.”
Old Mill
Coach: Katy Barry, third season
2024: 8-5 overall, 7-3 in county
Region: 3A East II
Key returners: Seniors Mia Beard (F) and Lilly Fant (M/F); juniors Kalli Brandon (F), Taylor Martini (D) and Alyssa Hartman (D).
Newcomers to watch: Senior Malia Hydes (M/D); freshman Addison Wagner (M/D).
Outlook: The turnover of nine seniors will deploy a new Old Mill onto the field this year, but Barry is encouraged by the “chemistry and talent” she’s already witnessing from these new kids. Like every other Old Mill program, construction is forcing them to get creative with practices and games, but obstacles could bring them closer together.
Coach’s quote: “I have high hopes for this team. We are a different team than in the past, but have strengths in areas we didn’t have before. Our seniors are incredible leaders, and I believe that we can be just as successful as last year, despite having a tougher schedule towards the end of the season.”
Severn
Coach: Denison Cabral, third season
2024 record: 10-4-3 overall, 4-2-4 in conference, conference finalists
Conference: IAAM B
Key returners: Seniors EG Beard (D), Alaina Subong (M/D) and Peach Wellschlager (M/F).
Newcomers to watch: Freshmen Eliza Bing (M/D), Maeve Butler (D) and Ryland Stuart (F).
Outlook: A tough opening preseason and non-conference schedule – including Spalding and Severna Park – is expected to harden this younger-leaning roster before it hits IAAM B play. That’s where Cabral hopes to identify any mistakes and fix them.
Coach’s quote: “We have set goals that start by making to the playoffs. We are young, but I’m confident that we will be competitive.”
Severn Run
Coach: Theon Francis, second season
2024: 9-4 overall, 7-2 in county
Region: 4A East I
Key returning players: Juniors Isabella Martin (F) and Niaya Brezial (M); sophomore Shayna Tobin (F).
Newcomers to watch: Sophomore Rianna Jennifer (D); freshmen Rainey Jennifer (D) and Reya Jennifer (D).
Outlook: The Wolves graduated a pair of first-ever seniors and replace them with four freshmen. Overall, they’re shooting for a middle-of-the-pack placement in the county and an improvement to their record (which, honestly, was already pretty good for a program pushed into varsity in its first season).
Severna Park
Coach: Rick Stimpson, seventh season
2024 record: 18-1 overall, 13-0 in-county, county and state champions
Region: 3A East II
Key returners: Seniors Ava Scott (M), Emerson Scott (D) and Maria Bragg (M); junior Izzy Burleson (M)
Newcomer to watch: Emma Dooley
Outlook: Replacing seniors like Erin Hussey and 2024 Player of the Year Abby Cover is not an easy feat, but the returning upperclassmen and overall depth will help the Falcons in pursuit of a three-peat.
Coach’s quote: “I think we should be very competitive and we are hoping to compete for a state championship.”
South River
Coach: Christine Flanagan, fourth season
2024: 10-6 overall, 6-1-2 in county
Region: 3A East II
Key returners: Juniors Cami Burke (F) and Tierney Gerrity (D); sophomore Peighton Mulligan (D)
Newcomers to watch: Sophomore Sola Ivaniv (F)
Outlook: Though their competitors are already considering them a force to be reckoned with, the Seahawks will look completely different after graduating 13 four-year starters. Flanagan praised the technical ability, physicality and athleticism of the younger group that, in lieu of varsity experience, has genuine potential.
Coach’s quote: “We see this as a refreshing start that will shape the program for years to come. We believe this team has what it takes to do well this season. With the new county championship divisions, we see a real opportunity to make a strong run and hopefully reach that stage. The state playoffs will present tough competition, but our goal is to push past JM Bennett and Severna Park. We remain hopeful yet grounded, knowing this group is capable of growth and success.”
Spalding
Coach: Ashly Kennedy, 13th season
2024: 7-7-2 overall, 5-4-1 in conference, conference champions
Conference: IAAM A
Key returners: Senior Madison Jones (M); junior Karrington Gregory (M).
Outlook: Last year’s Cinderella story is bringing back many of the pieces that helped turn a downtrodden season into one that got the trophy in the end, with a mix of incoming, promising players.
St. Mary’s
Coach: Sarah DeWitt, second season
2024: 6-6 overall, 1-6 in conference
Conference: IAAM B
Key returners: Seniors Molly Styskal (D), Elizabeth Schummer (M) and Brynn Kaufman (D); junior Addison Sides (F); sophomores Keely Orndorff (F) and Mia Difrancesca (M).
Newcomer to watch: Freshman Emma Grey (F)
Outlook: After an undefeated non-conference run, serious injuries clipped St. Mary’s potential in its first conference game. The Saints hope for a redo with a healthy, unchanged starting lineup (with some plucky new freshman) this time around.
Coach’s quote: “We are looking forward to taking a run at bringing home an IAAM B Conference Championship. We are ready to shock the (county).”
Have a sports tip? Contact Katherine Fominykh at kfominykh@baltsun.com or DM @capgazsports on Instagram.
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