High school girls soccer: The News Tribune’s fall 2021 All-Area team
The dust has settled on the high school girls soccer team, complete with state tournament once again for the first time since the 2019 fall season. These were the top players in the South Sound this fall.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Caroline Penner, Capital, sr. — Seattle University commit was named the MVP of the 3A South Sound Conference after scoring 34 goals and tallying seven assists. Penner was the top pure goal scorer in the area this season, guiding the Cougars to the program’s first state tournament berth in more than a decade.
COACH OF THE YEAR
Katie Bennett, Gig Harbor — Led the Tides to an undefeated record and league championship in the 3A South Sound Conference, a West Central III/Southwest bidistrict title and a state tournament semifinal appearance. Gig Harbor finished with a 19-2-1 overall record, not losing a game all season until the state semifinals, a 2-1 loss to Seattle Prep.
FIRST TEAM
FORWARDS
Kennedy Cypher, Sumner, sr. — The 4A SPSL North Division offensive player of the year had 13 goals and four assists for the Spartans, leading Sumner to a state tournament appearance. Coach Robi Turley called her a “game changer” on offense.
Kiana Gutierrez, Auburn Riverside, sr. — 3A NPSL first-team selection scored 17 goals and had 12 assists for the Ravens. Called a “relentless” player by coach Paul Lewis, who praised her clever finishing ability in front of net.
Zoe Markquart, Bonney Lake, jr. — 3A PCL MVP scored 26 goals and had 11 assists for Panthers, playing at striker and outside winger. Described as an “intense competitor” by coach Dyanne Jewett, who lauded the junior’s nose for the goal and field vision.
Katelyn Rigg, Olympia, sr. — The 4A SPSL South Division offensive player of the year led Olympia with 21 goals, beating opponents all season long with her pace and ability.
Samiah Shell, Auburn Riverside, jr. — 3A NPSL offensive player of the year scored a team-high 28 goals and had 15 assists for the Ravens. Recognized by coach Paul Lewis for her selflessness and willingness to make the extra pass.
Alexa Thoms, Gig Harbor, sr. — Led the Tides with 25 goals and 14 assists, part of a potent Gig Harbor attack that went all the way to the 3A state tournament semifinal round.
MIDFIELDERS
Mia Ammons, Enumclaw, sr. — 2A SPSL offensive player of the year had 22 goals and eight assists for the Hornets. “Mia has great tactical awareness which helps her see the whole field and see things develop before they happen,” says coach Shawn Tobius. “Her technical skills are tremendous with a very clean touch.”
Ally Beavers, Puyallup, sr. — Defensive midfielder was an integral part of the Vikings’ defense. On offense, had 17 assists and three goals for Puyallup.
Aly Bryan, Lakes, sr. — One of the main pieces of a Lakes team that won its first league title in over a decade, Bryan was a fixture in the midfield for the Lancers and one of the team’s top goal-scoring threats, scoring 25 goals and adding 20 assists for the Lancers.
Kilee Coatney, Bonney Lake, jr. — Holding-mid was the anchor of Bonney Lake’s team, able to play in defense and push forward in the attack. “She’s got incredible field vision, incredible footskills,” said Panthers’ coach Dyanne Jewett. “She’s very technically smart and strong.” Scored 16 goals and had seven assists.
Sinead Duffy, Peninsula, sr. — Two-time first-team all-league selection led the Seahawks with 19 goals and 11 assists, leading the Seahawks to a 3A state tournament berth.
Ella Hatteberg, Gig Harbor, sr. — Arizona commit was the heart and soul of a Gig Harbor team that reached the state tournament semifinals. Lauded by coach Katie Bennett for her unmatched work rate on the field, Hatteberg scored often in the playoffs, including the semifinal game and the third/fourth place consolation game. Finished with 14 goals and 14 assists for Gig Harbor.
Callie Lowney, Puyallup, sr. — The News Tribune’s 2021 spring season All-Area player of the year followed up the spring season with another strong performance this fall, racking up 20 goals and seven assists for the Vikings.
Kaylee Mithun, Fife, jr. — The 2A SPSL MVP scored 31 goals on the season and had 16 assists. She scored goals in 14 of Fife’s games and had hat tricks in three games. “She is a threat all over the field and always steps up for the team when we need it most,” said Fife coach Ryann Waldman.
Lily Paulson, Gig Harbor, sr. — Point Loma commit has been scoring goals since she stepped on campus as a freshman. This season, she had 14 goals and 13 assists for the Tides.
DEFENDERS
Camryn Brown, Sumner, soph. — First-team all-league selection in the 4A SPSL North Division and two-time TNT All-Area first-team selection was a key part of a Sumner defense and team that earned a state tournament berth.
McKenzie Emmons, Auburn Riverside, sr. — Two-time TNT All-Area first-team selection was an important piece of the Ravens’ 3A NPSL title winning defense. Consistently excellent in positioning and 1v1 defending, says coach Paul Lewis.
KV Miller, Curtis, sr. — Two-time first-team all-league defender was the heart of a resurgent Curtis team and defense, contributing to eight shutouts. “Plays with a level of grit, determination and will that makes her so difficult to beat,” says Curtis coach Frank Hankel. Builds the Vikings attack out of the back and also scored three goals and added three assists.
Destinee Robertson, Timberline, sr. — Robertson was the 3A SSC’s defensive MVP. The Blazers’ center back was on the watch list for the All-American High School Game. “She’s the quickest, fastest, most controlled player I’ve coached or seen in my 27 years of coaching,” said coach Mark Phillips. “Her ability to stay poised and disciplined in the midst of each and every battle is something to behold.”
Ainsley Wall, Tumwater, sr. — Part of a T-Birds’ senior class that never lost a league game, Wall was the 2A EvCo overall MVP. She scored eight goals and had three assists. “Ainsley’s an excellent leader, defender, passer and shooter,” says coach Brett Bartlett.
GOALKEEPER
Ally Larkin, Puyallup, sr. — University of Nevada-Reno commit was so good in goal that she was named the 4A SPSL North Division’s defensive player of the year. Had 15 shutouts and conceded just six goals in 21 games, good for a 0.28 goals-against average. Leaves Puyallup with a state championship and league championships in all four of her seasons played.
SECOND TEAM
FORWARDS — Ashley Wright, Gig Harbor, sr.; Sydnee Johnson, Kentridge, sr.; Kaylee Bauml, Curtis; Melanie Torres, Puyallup, fr.; Brooklyn Lee, Stadium, soph.; Janae Lewis, Peninsula, sr.; Emalyn Shaffer, Tumwater, fr.
MIDFIELDERS — Sophie Blake, Gig Harbor, soph.; Aleigha Woodland, Fife, soph.; Payton Martinson, Sumner, sr.; Emma Hays, Olympia, sr.; Kayla Bushmaker, Kentwood; Kylie Leverett, Bellarmine Prep, sr.; Ella Smith, Central Kitsap, jr.; Lindsey Crowe, Timberline, sr.; Mia Oniskey, Black Hills, jr.; Kayden Perigo, Capital, soph.
DEFENDERS — Lexi Padilla, Emerald Ridge, jr.; Ashley Jones, Gig Harbor, sr.; Erin Wilkins, Bellarmine Prep, sr.; Savannah Reece, Central Kitsap, jr.; Kali Ginnis, Fife, soph.; Meridee Hill, Yelm, jr.; Mia Cuoio, Tumwater, jr.; Elizabeth McGruder, Spanaway Lake, sr.; Bella Hanna, Lakes, sr.
GOALKEEPERS — Jessie Young, Tahoma, sr; Mia Banner, Lakes, sr; Abbey Goetz, White River, sr.; Sydney Woods, Tumwater, jr.; Paige Broadrick, Peninsula, sr.
