Welcome back, spring sports, and welcome back girls soccer.
Coming off 2023, where Grace Christian School brought home a state title and Deep Run was the Class 5 state runner-up, the area continues to have tons of talent.
Even with most of the 2023 All-Metro girls soccer first-team graduating, there is no shortage of speed, agility and composure around the area. Take a look at how the teams stack up and who is ready to compete for a state title.
Meet the 2023 All-Metro girls soccer team, led by Deep Run’s Gianna Chrapek
Returning All-Metro first-team players
Walker Bristow, senior forward, Douglas Freeman: Bristow, who was also first-team all-state, scored 23 goals in 2023, leading the Mavericks back to the state tournament and were the Region 5C runner-ups. Bristow, now a senior, should be one to look at this season.
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Kenley Campbell, senior midfielder, Collegiate: the LIS Player of the Year is back for her final season as a Cougar, following a nine goal and four assist performance last year. Campbell, a defensive midfielder, was an impact player for Collegiate, playing against the area’s best talent.
Sasha Manheim, senior midfielder, Cosby: Despite adjusting to a new formation for the Titans and converting to a defensive midfielder, Manheim executed it well, leading Cosby to the Class 6 state tournament. She had two goals and eight assists as a defender for the Titans in 2023.
Class 6
Cosby
Coach: Madisen Powell, year two
2023: 18-1-1, lost in state quarterfinals
Key players: Kendall Funk, F; Corinne Jenkins, M; Abigail Knight, M; Sasha Manheim, M; Molly Muir, D; Catherine Muir, D.
Notable: Cosby girls soccer is back and should be just as good, if not better, than last season. The Titans lost only two starters, returning nine, and are excited to get going. First-team All-Metro midfielder Sasha Manheim is back, along with senior defenders Molly and Catherine Muir, all of whom are captains. Cosby sports a tough schedule to prepare the team for the postseason, including a matchup with Deep Run, who moved up to Class 6 this season and will compete head-to-head with the Wildcats. Cosby has experience, maturity and leadership, all of which should help the team get back to the state tournament.
Deep Run girls soccer team
Deep Run
Coach: Steven Chapman, year 10
2023: 18-2-1, lost in Class 5 state finals
Deep Run’s Ava LeGault controls the ball during a 6-0 victory over Princess Anne in a girls soccer state semifinal game.
Key players: Tori Gauch, F; Monique McEnhimer, F; Lucy Colombell, D; Cara Prior, F; Audrey Simpkins, M; McKenzie Vanags, D.
Notable: Though the Wildcats made it to the Class 5 title game last season, the team graduated 10 players and coach Steven Chapman said the group lost five expected returning starters. 2023 All-Metro Player of the Year Gianna Chrapek isn’t listed on the roster and Deep Run is a young team. The expectations are to improve and grow as the year progresses. The Wildcats are looking to fill starting positions following last season and it may take time for the team to find their footing and get into a groove. The team has a tough schedule but with returners like Monique McEnhimer, who had a breakout freshmen season with 19 goals, there should be progress this year.
Highland Springs
Coach: Tabitha Whitlow, year 11
2023: 3-11, did not make region tournament
Key players: Jada Woodson, F; Taylor Phang, S; Mariane Nyirahabineza, CM/F; Jordan Graham, GK; Jase Mayo, CB; Belise Iribagiza, M.
Notable: The Springers are optimistic heading into the season, with success in scrimmages before the season started as the team continues to build a program. There is a balanced set of skills and experience across Highland Springs between the freshmen and the seniors and Jordan Graham has stepped up as a sophomore to become the Springers starting goalkeeper. The captains, Jada Woodson, Jase Mayo and Sam Lifsey have stepped up in their roles, helping players out and running practices. The Springers are happy with the group they have this season, are excited to get the year going and see how the team grows throughout the year.
Class 5
Douglas Freeman
Coach: Bill Bartoszek, year 11
2023: 12-6-1, lost in state quarterfinals
Key players: Walker Bristow, M/F; Anna Bitsko, M; Hannah Tittermary, D; Molly Stephenson, D; Maya Tluchak, M, Margaux Ciaverelli, D.
Notable: Six starters are back for the Mavericks after losing five in 2023 but Walker Bristow, an All-Metro first-team member, is one of those returners. Bristow, along with Anna Bitsko and Hannah Tittermary, are the captains of the 2024 Mavericks and the defense is the strength of the group. All the starters are returning to the defense from the state tournament season, with captain Tittermary leading the way. Bristow lead the team with 23 goals last season and Bitsko had nine herself. Freeman has a tough schedule, with matchups against Glen Allen, Collegiate, Deep Run and James River and it should prepare the team by the time the regional tournament is back.
Hermitage
Coach: Spencer Hawthorne, year three
2023: 4-12, lost in region first round
Key players: Keyrin Cedillo, S; Emily Vega, GK; Breyona Robinson, GK; Kimberley Mejia-Andrade, F; Kenyury Rangel, CB; Lily Celentano, CB.
Notable: Hermitage girls soccer has eight starters returning this season, setting the developing group up well entering 2024. Senior striker Keyrin Cedillo is back after scoring 10 goals last season and is a big part of the program as it keeps growing. The Panthers are excited about this season as they established a culture of success on the training ground and have also made tweaks to the system, coach Spencer Hawthorne said. Hermitage keeps improving on and off the field and grows their understanding and knowledge and are hoping that continues. With some tough opponents on the schedule, the team should keep developing.
J.R. Tucker
Coach: Sarah Dietz, year 20
2023: 9-8, lost in region quarterfinals
Key players: Hailey Walker, F; Ariana Richard, M; Tess Vithoulkas, M; Laine Burgess, D; Simone Kalemdaroglu, GK.
Notable: This is an experienced Tigers team, with 10 starters returning and only one lost from a year ago. Hailey Walker, a senior forward, will be a leader for the group, scoring 13 goals and eight assists last season, and is committed to Goucher. Coach Sarah Dietz said this is the best team she’s had since 2013 and Tucker worked hard in the offseason to prepare for this season. The entire core group for Dietz is back and said the Tigers are after a few upsets and will play in close games this season. There is a mix of newcomers and veterans with juniors Ariana Richard and Isabel Russo leading the group as well as sophomores Tess Vithoulkas and Laine Burgess. The team is strong throughout the midfield and defense and should be competitive in Region 5C.
Matoaca
Coach: Matt Crist, year one
2023: 14-6, lost in region semifinals
Key players: Kiera Ferguson, GK; Clarity Johnson, D; Kenley Tassel, M; Amellia Kennedy, M; Lindsey Braziel, D.
Notable: It’s year one for first-year coach Matt Crist, who previously coached at Colonial Heights as the boys soccer coach in 2021 & 2022. Matoaca, who returns seven starters after only losing four, has a strong defensive group, led by seniors Clarity Johnson and Lindsey Braziel. In net, it’s sophomore goalkeeper Kiera Ferguson, who had 12 shutouts a season ago and adds to the Warriors defensive depth. In the midfield, Amellia Kennedy, a junior, and Kenley Tassel, a sophomore, are expected to be big for the team, which has varying experience levels. It’s the Warriors first season in Class 5.
Midlothian
Coach: Brandon Flowers, year three
2023: 12-6, lost in region semifinals
Key players: Megan Dwyer, F; Ella Searcey, M; Carley Varela, GK; Layla Royster, F; Bailey Reid, D; Hailey Baskerville, M.
Notable: Nine starters return for the Trojans, following a 12-6 season in 2023. This year, Midlo looks to contend for the Dominion District title, with four key seniors back for their final season. Megan Dwyer, an Elon commit, had 14 goals last season and Carley Varela, a senior goalkeeper, had 10 shutouts and 48 saves. Forward Layla Royster, who is heading to Mary Washington following the season, had eight goals and three assists last year and in the midfield, Longwood commit Ella Searcey will be big as a leader. Midlo wants to be playing deep into June this season and is excited to compete against the 804’s best.
Mills Godwin
Coach: Chris Thornton, year three
2023: 10-7, lost in region quarterfinals
Key players: London Serafim, F; Katie Britton, M; Riley Cassidy, F; Riley Shearer, F; Ella Petersen, GK; Lily Budzinski, M.
Notable: The senior class is big for the Eagles this season, with four seniors, Katie Britton, Riley Cassidy, Samantha Spears and Ella Peterson, playing together on varsity each year and want to make a postseason run. Peterson and Spears have combined for 13 shutouts over the last two years and look to continue that defensive excellence. On the attack, Britton, Cassidy, Riley Shearer and London Serafim will be the ones to watch, with the group grabbing 41 goals and 31 assists last year. The Eagles bench is young in 2024, with five freshmen, but they are talented and ready to work. Godwin had big expectations for themselves this season, looking to get past the region quarterfinals.
Prince George
2023: 9-3-3, lost in region quarterfinals
Key players: Sadie Dyke, D; Faith Cane, D/M; Liz Chambers, GK/D; Zoe Stoke, S/M; Sasha Mazariegos, S; Elle Harrison, M; Olivia Thompson, S.
Notable: Following a loss in the region quarterfinals to Glen Allen last season, the Royals are back and ready for another run in the region tournament. With captains Zoe Stoke, Sadie Dyke and Faith Cane, all seniors, there is leadership at the top to guide Prince George through Class 5. The Royals have a big junior class, with 10 players and have three freshmen on the varsity squad. The center back duo of Cane and Dyke will be big defensively and Liz Chambers, a goalkeeper, will lead the defense. Stoke will lead the midfield and Sasha Mazariegos, Elle Harrison and Olivia Thompson will be looked toward to help offensively.
Class 4
Atlee
Coach: Steve D’Adamo, year two
2023: 14-3, lost in region quarterfinals
Key players: Georgia Skelton, M; MacKenzie Gathers, M; Brooke Matthews, F; Emily Senthonkham, F; Lacey Neff, D.
Notable: There is a solid base returning for Atlee, with eight starters from the 14-3 team in 2023 back for more. The Raiders have a mix of upperclassmen and newcomers this year, along with experience level and maturity. The freshmen are expected to bring depth and competition and the projected starters include five seniors, three sophomores and three freshmen. MacKenzie Gathers, a sophomore, led the team with 18 goals last season and Brooke Matthews, a senior, had 14. Four returners are back for Atlee who had double-digit goals and the team has pieces in place to make a run in the postseason.
Hanover players go over to celebrate with forward Sarah Olson, who scored the game-winning goal in the second half of their home matchup against Atlee on May 4.
Hanover
Coach: Maria Fabiato, year one
2023: 13-4, lost in state quarterfinals
Key players: Sam Krines, F; Taylor Grubb, F; Ava Olson, M; Kami Mays, DM; Lucy Harrington, D/M.
Notable: Hanover, who made the Class 4 state tournament a year ago, returns nine starters from that team and has high hopes again this year. There are several veteran returners, and three out of six seniors are playing college soccer next season. Sam Krines, Taylor Grubb, Ava Olson and Kami Mays are all back for their senior season and are players to watch. The Hanover coaching staff is looking to increase player development and create a team-oriented atmosphere, one that should help the Hawks as they navigate a tough schedule, particularly Atlee. Hanover should be good again this season and look for it to make a run.
Mechanicsville
Coach: Shane Amsler, year one
2023: 11-6, lost in region quarterfinals
Key players: Bailey Altizer, M; Julia Proost, M; Katelyn Henderson, M; Kendra Previs, M; Olivia Stubblefield, D; Kyndra Jewell, M.
Notable: With nine starters returning, Mechanicsville has talent and depth heading into the season. There are 11 juniors on the 2024 Mustangs, and most of them were starters last year, so they bring in experience to help the team navigate a tough schedule. First-year coach Shane Amsler brings accountability and stability to the Mustangs, who fell in the region quarterfinals last season. Bailey Altizer returns, with 10 goals scored last year and both Julia Proost and Olivia Stubblefield had nine apiece. There is offense returning for Mechanicsville and with an young group, watch for the team to make a postseason run.
Monacan players celebrate with the region trophy.
Melanie Martinez-Lopez
Monacan
Coach: Sean Hollingshead, year two
2023: 13-7, lost in state quarterfinals
Key players: Grace Minton, M; Ava Lozada, D; Kaycee Stiltoner, D; Bridget Martin, M; Addy Kelley, GK; Maddy Moore, D; Emma Arguello, D.
Notable: The Chiefs sport a young team following a Region 4B championship last season but there is still lots of talent across the board. Grace Minton, a senior, and Ava Lozada, a junior, will be big again for Monacan, following region and state team selections last season. The Chiefs will rely on defense with three returning starters and goalkeeper Addy Kelley. Minton and Bridget Martin will lead the attack while Lozada, Kaycee Stiltoner and Maddy Moore will be big defensively. Kelley had 43 saves last season, and she enters her junior season. Martin had 14 goals, leading the returners, while Minton had seven and nine assists. Monacan has pieces in place and should be contenders for the region title again.
Powhatan sophomore Emily Gibbs races down the sideline in her team’s season-opening win over Clover Hill on March 12.
Powhatan
Coach: Jared Rottmund, year nine
2023: 6-10, lost in region first round
Key players: Kaitlyn Rissmeyer, D; Brynna Tester, F; Mara Rutkai, F; Madeline Ickes, M; Sadie Bondurant, D; Bella Russell, F; Sally Woodard, M.
Notable: This season, the Indians return nine seniors, the most in the programs history and have played together during their entire high school careers. New faces to watch for the Indians are Alli Magill, a senior, Ginny Hayden, a sophomore and Emily Bruce, a sophomore. Powhatan has a tough schedule in the Dominion District, with games against Monacan, Midlothian and Hanover. It’s a big senior class lift for the Indians and the team will look to their leadership, maturity and experience as they help navigate the team during the season while also building a foundation for the future.
Class 3
Goochland
Coach: Jason Funkhouser, year three
2023: 2-13-1, lost in region quarterfinals
Key players: Holly Bermingham, M; Perry Nuckols, M; Ella Chewning, M.
Notable: The Bulldogs are young this season. Looking to improve upon a 2-13-1 season from 2023, Goochland has experienced returners this year, only losing three starters. The sophomore class is big for the Bulldogs, with seven starters and two seniors starting this year. With how young the team is, there is lots of potential and the group can development. The Bulldogs want to build off of what they did last year. Ella Chewning is the freshmen starter for Goochland, with the two seniors being Holly Bermingham and Perry Nuckols. Using the different experience and leadership levels, the team hopes to make another run at getting to regionals and competing in the tournament.
VISAA
Junior forward Presley Garst is Collegiate’s third leading scorer on the season, chipping in seven goals in 16 appearances.
Collegiate
Coach: Rob Ukrop, year 10
2023: 15-6-1, lost in state semifinals
Key players: Kenley Campbell, M; Ryan Lewis, M; Kate Smigelski, M; Presley Garst, F; Claire Curtis, F; Anne Southworth, D; Abby Craig, D.
Notable: There is a good group of returning players for the Cougars this season, including LIS Player of the Year Kenley Campbell. There are five seniors who are back, which helped the team win the LIS title in 2023. There is a good mix of upperclassmen and newcomers for 2024 and there should be players contributing in their first season on varsity. Campbell had nine goals and four assists last year, helping lead the Cougars to the VISAA state semifinals. Ryan Lewis had 16 goals and six assists while Kate Smigelski had 13 goals. With a good core for Collegiate, the team should be competitive again and will look to make it back to the state tournament in the spring.
Note: Only schools that returned preview forms from The Times-Dispatch are included. If your team is not in the preview, your school did not send in a form.
