2024 Girls Soccer preview capsules

Bath

Division: IV

Conference: Western Buckeye League

Coach: Lamar Houston (second season)

Last year’s record: 11-8, 6-3 WBL

Returning 2023 varsity letter winners: McKenna O’Kief (Sr., D), Hailey Core (Sr., F/M), Hadyn O’Donnell (Sr., F), Faith Clark (Sr., M), Hailey Hale (Sr., D), Carmen Kunkleman (Sr., GK), Mara Davis (So., F/M), Anna Rasor (So., F/M), Marlie Mason (So., M), Gwen Foust (So., M), Madi Leiendecker (Jr., D), Gabie Gonzalez (Jr., D/M)

Promising newcomers: Adelyn Rex (Fr., F/M), Alycen Stumbaugh (Fr., F/M), Hailee Mauk (Fr., D), Kamryn Mcgee (Fr., F/M/D), Olivia Cales (So., GK)

Coach’s analysis: “This year’s team is returning all but two starters. After a tie for a third place WBL and a year of growth we’re hoping to take the next step to compete and once again be one of the top teams in the WBL. We’ve got some nice pieces and are excited to get things going. Our hope is that we are competing at a high level out of the gate and at the end of the season.”

Bluffton

Division: V

Conference: Northwest Conference

Coach: Jamie Mehaffie (fourth season)

Last year’s record: 11-7-2, 5-0-1 NWC

Returning 2023 varsity letter winners: Mya McDoogle (Jr., F), Nora Matthews (So., M), Blair Utendorf (Jr., M), Audra Snyder (So., M/F), Jordyn O’Connell (Sr., D), Jordan Schweingruber (Sr., D), Avery Ulrey (Jr., D), Lilly Dagani (Jr., M), Macy Schaadt (Jr., M), Aubrey Burkholder (Jr., F), Great Myers (So., D), Jenna Downey (Jr., M), Jaicelyn Morris (Jr., M), Kynzie Ewing (Jr., GK), Elizabeth Hartzler (Jr., GK)

Promising newcomers: Keyrsten Kleman (Fr., M), Phoebe Edwards-Leeper (Fr., M/F), Carli Wise (Fr., F), Maia Gearing (Sr., D), Lauren Dearth (Jr., D), Ryleigh Rex (Sr., GK)

Coach’s analysis: “We begin this season with a lot of returning varsity experience with nine starters back from last season and more depth than in previous years, which should allow us to keep players fresh throughout games and the season.”

Defiance

Division: III

Conference: Western Buckeye League

Coach: Jenny Vincent (sixth season)

Last year’s record: 3-12-2, 2-7 WBL

Returning 2023 varsity letter winners: Myah Bloomfield (Sr., M/D), Baylee Ingle (Sr., D), Eliza Ramirez (Sr., GK), Malorie Nofzinger (Sr., F/M), Paulina George (Jr., D), Alex Fernandez (Jr., F), Anna Hasslebring (Jr., F), Olivia Cunningham (Jr., D), Katie McDonald (Jr., D), Kenzie Dennie (Jr., D), Emma Rohdy (Jr., F), Xiomara Hill (Jr., F), Kendall Rittenhouse (Jr., M/F), Izzy Jordan (Jr., M), Laela Keller (Jr., D/GK), Olivia Hernandez (Jr., F), Bellah Torres (Jr., F), Kristeen Kiessling (So.)

Promising newcomers: Emma Dankworth (Fr., F), Briana Davenport (Fr., F), Joselyn Lopez (Fr., D), Addison Roth (Fr., F/M)

Coach’s analysis: “We have a strong returning group with valuable competitive experience. We worked hard last season and showed growth in our overall record but also in every statistical category. This season will be an exciting chapter for our program and we’re looking forward to reaching our full potential together.”

Celina

Division: III

Conference: Western Buckeye League

Coach: David Hammons (first season)

Last year’s record: 11-7-1, 3-5-1 WBL

Returning 2023 varsity letter winners: Jacci Felver (Sr., D), Alex Kimmel (Sr., D), Hailey Garrity (Sr., D/M), Kenlee Holstad (Sr., F), Rachel Rammel (Jr., F), Allana Carroll (Jr., F), Bria Pearson (Jr., D/M), Natalie Zizelman (Jr., D), Colbie Kinney (Jr., F), Paiton Rhodes (Jr., M), Jada Highley (So., M), Campbell Gass (So., M)

Promising newcomers: Alaina Vehorn (So., GK), Madison Muntzinger (So., MF), McKayla Mullins (So., F/M), Maddie Allen (So., D), Miley Werntz (Fr., F), Kirsten Garrity (Fr., F), Alexis Siefring (Fr., M), Ruby Schleucher (Fr., F), Alexa Pearson (Fr., D), Hayley German (Fr., GK)

Coach’s analysis: “We are a young team and working to find our identity. We will rely heavily on the 12 returning lettermen and work to acclimate the underclassmen as quickly as possible. The goal for the season is to be more competitive in the WBL and work on improving team communication/passing.”

Continental

Division: V

Conference: Putnam County League

Coach: Toby Bidlack

Last year’s record: 7-9-2, 2-2-1 PCL

Returning 2023 varsity letter winners: Britten Smith (Sr., M/D), Olivia Crossgrove (Jr., M), Morgan Dockery (Jr., M/D), Mackenzie Niese (Jr., F/GK), Breece Prowant (Jr., D), Makenzie Shock (Jr., F/M), Ella Siefer (Jr., F/M), Kaylee Boecker (So., M), Claire Hull (So., F), Destiny Hurley (So., GK/M), Adrianna Jones (So., F/M), Abby Rue (So., M), Morgan Shock (So., M/F), and Emmie Wollam (So., D/M)

Promising newcomers: Ava Sheeter (Sr., F), Becca Stark (Sr., M), Micalin Basinger (Fr., M/D), Maeci Dockery (Fr., M/F), Kamryn Searfoss (Fr., F)

Coach’s analysis: “We have a good combination of youth and experience. We have several talented players and if we can develop our defensive pressure and offensive efficiency, we could have a successful season”

Crestview

Division: V

Conference: Northwest Conference

Coach Cindy Lamb (second season)

Last year’s record: 1-14-1, 0-6-0 NWC

Returning 2023 varsity letter winners: Ella Lamb (So. GK), Madi Springer (Jr., D), Dakota Thornell (Jr., D), Ellie Ward (Jr., F), Cylee Grubb (So., M)

Promising newcomers: Kenzie Heffner (Jr., D), Emma Ward (Fr., M), JJ Korte (Fr., M)

Coach’s analysis: “We’re still a young team with only one senior after we lost two key scorers from last year. We have lots of young returning players that got a lot of varsity experience last year and we have key returners in the defense and goal. Our goal this season is to play with confidence and communicate with each other on the field.”

Delphos St. John’s

Division: V

Conference: Midwest Athletic Conference

Coach: Emma Pohlman

Last year’s record: 6-8-4

Returning 2023 varsity letter winners: Evie Vonderwell (Sr., GK), Kennedy Sterling (Sr., M), Brooke Altenburger (Sr., M), Kierstin Jackson (Sr., F), Lilly Grothaus (Jr., D), Nora Cox (Jr., M), Ava Hershey (Jr., F), Aubrey Metzger (Jr., D)

Promising newcomers: Lila Jackson (So., F), Avery Pohlman (So., M), Claire Martz (So., D), Lauren Wiltsie (So., F), Olivia Ricker (Fr., M), Alyiah Boyer (Fr., M), Bridgette Rice (Fr., D), Blaire Gable (Fr., D), Madi Vonderwell (Fr., D)

Coach’s analysis: “We are looking forward to focusing on our team and putting the success of the team ahead of individual success. We are excited for the experience and confidence of our returning starters to guide our newcomers. Our goal is always to challenge ourselves to improve upon the previous season.”

Fort Jennings

Divivison: V

Conference: Putnam County League

Coach: Mike Dunlap

Last year’s record: 3-14-1, 0-5-0 PCL

2024 roster: Anna Edinger (So.), Katelyn Knippen (Sr.), Sophie Schaefer (So.), Reese Hellman (Fr.), Kaylee Geise (Fr.), Khloe Browning (So.), Addison Sarka (So.), Lilly Schaefer (So.), Tenley Sarka (Jr.), Jocelyn German (Fr.), Emma Hellman (Sr.), Autumn Cavelage (Sr.), Morgan Siefker (Sr.), Sofia Osting (Fr.), Bella Heitman (Fr.), Edita Kovarova (Jr.), Layla Shroeder (So.), Kailey Meyer (Jr.), Ava Knippen (So.), Bailey Hile (Jr.), Abby Rode (Fr.), Maggie Pothast (Sr.)

Coach’s analysis: “We have many returning players that have developed nicely in the offseason, not to mention a very promising freshman class with attributes that will help us build upon a solid foundation that they established last season. This group has an incredible ability to accept challenges and hunger like I haven’t seen in some time. I look for many goals to be achieved this season as they grow as a team and as individuals.”

Kalida

Divivison: V

Conference: Putnam County League

Coach: David Kehres (19th season)

Last year’s record: 10-6-4, 3-0-2 PCL

Returning 2023 varsity letter winners: Ady Miller (Sr., D/M), Alex Gardner (Sr., M/F), Nicole Siebeneck (So., D), Allie Kuhlman (Sr., D), Kaylyn Bockrath (Sr., D/M), Gabrielle Brinkman (Sr., D), Lauren Laudick (Jr., M/F)

Promising newcomers: Shelby Jewers (So., M/F), Nataly Cavelage (So., M/F), Mallory Kerner (So., D/F), Olivia Landwehr (Fr., F/M), Hannah Bendele (So., M/D)

Coach’s analysis: “With only 18 girls this year, staying healthy will be key. We also lost our leading scorer to graduation so we’ll have to find another primary offensive threat. We want to continue improving and playing our best soccer at tournament time. This group of girls wants to inject enthusiasm into the younger generation.”

Miller City

Division: V

Conference: Putnam County League

Coach: Kurt Rosengarten (fifth season)

Last year’s record: 15-2-1, 4-0-1 PCL

Returning 2023 varsity letter winners: Taygen Rieman (Sr.), Ella Recker (Sr.), Hailey Warnimont (Sr.), Reagan Schiffer (Sr.), Isabelle Rieman (Sr.), Anna Niese (Sr.), Lou Michel (Sr.), Mya Brown (Jr.), Danica Ehlers (Jr.), Kyla Rosengarten (Jr.), Avery Ruhe (Jr.), Scarlett King (So.), Keira Warnimont (So.), Maddie Barlage (So.)

Promising newcomers: Carly Ellerbrock, Claire Ellerbrock, Kyla Okuley, Evie Deitering, Lizzie Ellerbrock, Rebecca Slick, Ella Inkrott, Andrea Brickner, Kayla Erford, Lauren Erford, Clara Verhoff, Teagan Barlage.

Coach’s analysis: “We have a good mix of experienced players with some young talent coming in. Hope to continue the success from last year’s team to this year. This year the league has a lot of parity in it. Any team in this league can win on any given night.”

Ottawa-Glandorf

Division: IV

Conference: Western Buckey League

Coach: Michelle Maag (fourth season)

Last year’s record: 22-2, 9-0 WBL

Returning 2023 varsity letter winners: Carlie Brinkman (Sr., D), Kaelyn Grothause (Sr., M), Megan Horstman (Sr., D), Makenna Siefker (Sr., F), Maya Heringhaus (Sr., F), Karsyn Erford (Jr., GK), Savannah Recker (Jr., D), Delaney Duling (Jr., F), Alivia Grothause (Jr., M), Emma Heringhaus (So., F)

Promising newcomers: Katelyn Reed (Sr., M), Gabby Steffan (Sr., F), Lauren Kimmet (Jr., D), Cambrie Ellerbrock (Jr., D), Lola Kuhlman (Jr., D), Brea Recker (So., M), Karlee Maag (So., D), Alaina Klass (So., M), Libbie Niese (So., GK), Mylie Steffan (So., F), Mylie Bockrath (Fr., M)

Coach’s analysis: “We have a good nucleus of players returning from last year’s successful season. The previous year’s graduating class was large and very talented, but our returning players have really stepped up their game as they look to write their own stories. We have high hopes for the season and are looking forward to great competition on our schedule.”

Shawnee

Division: III

Conference: Western Buckey League

Coach: Caroline O’Brien (23rd season)

Last year’s record: 9-5-6, 4-2-3 WBL

Returning 2023 varsity letter winners: Megan Carder (Sr., M), Addison DuGranrut (Sr., M), Bella Halbisen (Sr., D), Tayma Jmiai (Sr., F), Kamryn Morris (Sr., F), Cameron Ridenour (Sr., M), Allie Eisele (Sr., F), Summer Ewing (Sr., F), Bella Hile (Jr., D), Ella Moritz (Jr., F), Addison Neth (Jr., D), Morgan Betts (Jr., D), Harper Bunke (Jr., GK), Lily Daley (Jr., D), Marah Garlock (Jr., D), Brynn Patterson (Jr., M), Cece Schaaf (So., F), Haileigh Stump (So., D), Bri Sheipline (So., F)

Promising newcomers: Evie Brock (Fr., D/M), Samantha Downing (Fr., D), Tristan Pohlman (Fr., GK)

Coach analysis: “With a healthy mix of returning letter winners, we’re excited about the season and look to be in the top tier of the Western Buckeye League with a stronger finish in the postseason.”

Spencerville

Division: V

Conference: Northwest Conference

Coach: Josiah Stober (first season)

Last year’s record: 3-10-5, 1-4-1 NWC

Returning 2023 varsity letter winners: Jenna Wannemacher (So., GK), Megan Miller (So., D), Grace Fledderjohann (So., F), Karleigh Brown (So., D), Saida Nolan (So., M), Aubreigh Eutsler (So., M), Eliza Stemen (Jr., D), Haley Hittle (Jr., M), Audra McMichael (Jr., F)

Promising newcomers: Mackenzie Vasquez (Sr.), Allison Black (Sr.), Lillian Strayer (So.), Aleya Wood (Fr.), Carmen Huffman (Fr.), Charlie Layman (Fr.), Emma Smith (Fr.), Gianna Goecke (Fr.), Nora Gallaspie (Fr.), Addison Lee (Fr.), Mariah Ringwald (Fr.), Marie Jackson (Fr.), Tessa Lawrence (Fr.)

Coach’s analysis: “Our coaching staff is really excited about this group of young players. With only nine players returning from last season and a group of 10 freshmen coming in, this will be a year of new expectations and learning. The entire group has worked extremely hard during the offseason and they know that there will be some growing pains this season, but they are up for the challenge.”

St. Marys

Division: IV

Conference: Western Buckey League

Coach: Nick Wilson (seventh season)

Last year’s record: 10-6-3, 6-1-2 WBL

Returning 2023 varsity letter winners: Emma Freewalt (Sr., M), Kelly Holsinger (Sr., F), Reese Rable (Sr., M), Jillian Tomberlin (Sr., D), Lauren Jacobs (Jr., D), Sophia Menker (Jr., M), Kendal Davis (So., M), Claire Turner (So., M), Piper Triplett (So., D), Caitlin Liette (So., D)

Other key contributors: Leah Brackman (Sr., M), Riley Anderson (Jr., D), Madi Mauter (Jr., D), Alyvia Halko (So., M)

Promising newcomers: Elliana Weigel (Fr., M)

Coach’s analysis: “Our primary goal is to win the league which is always incredibly challenging. We expect this season to be no different with competition from top to bottom. After that, we’re focused on making a deep tournament run and playing our best soccer at the end of the season.”

Van Wert

Division: IV

Conference: Western Buckey League

Coach: Ashley Showalter (third season)

Last year’s record: 0-17, 0-9 WBL

Returning 2023 varsity letter winners: Meagan Mason (Sr., D), Allison Geib (Jr., F), Nova McName (Jr., M/D), Arkana Rodriguez (So., D), Brooklyn Arnett (So., F), Skylar Bragg (So., M), Adria Webster (So., D), Lilly Mason (So., GK)

Promising newcomers: Alianna Estrada (Fr., F), Alma Hernandez (Jr., F), Ava Elston (Fr., D/GK), Stella Hoskins (Fr., M), Sophia Berryman (Fr., M)

Coach’s analysis: “With the loss of four seniors and fielding a young team this season, we’re looking to continue to work on our culture and building the fundamentals needed to grow the program. There has been a lot of work put in by the coaching staff and players in the offseason and we’re looking for the payoff on that one step at a time.”

Wapakoneta

Division: III

Conference: Western Buckey League

Coach: Erica Preston (first season)

Last year’s record: 13-5-1, 5-4 WBL

Returning 2023 varsity letter winners: Alaina Ault (So., D), Cameron Ault (Sr., M), Grace Burnfield (So., F), Kayla Carter (Sr., M), Kristin Knarr (So., M), Teagan Lawrence (Jr., D), Ava Morris (Sr., M), Gaby Muller (Jr., M), Paige Olberding (Jr., F), Ellie Prenger (So., GK/M), Paison Preston (So., D), Gaby Raney (Sr., M), Chloe Wachauf (Sr., M)

Promising newcomers: Casi Casebolt (Sr., D), Abby Cox (Fr., GK/F), Brooke Hengstler (So., F), Olivia Hudnall (Fr., M), Avery Kiefer (Fr., M), Ava Maurer (So., M), Emory Preston (Fr., D), Isabella Schneer (Sr., GK/F), Avery Sheipline (Fr., F), Gianna Staas (Jr., M/F)

Coach’s analysis: “We are looking to pair a talented group of underclassmen with our core of returning upperclassmen to make a solid team at all positions. The energy is high in the program. The talent is present and the opportunities are available for us to capitalize on.”