This season in the area's high school girls soccer scene, it's all about experience.
The usual suspects Altoona and Hollidaysburg return nine and eight starters, respectively, but two Cambria County teams, in particular, have the numbers any coach would envy.
Penn Cambria has 10 starters returning from last year's squad that finished 7-9. Only one is a senior, which puts the Lady Panthers in a good spot beyond 2011.
"I put the best 11 kids on the field," said fourth-year Penn Cambria coach Tom Schmitt, who was a combined 6-25-1 in his first two seasons. "Now those kids have a lot of time in.
"There's nothing that can replace playing time. We had a fair amout of one- and two-goal games last season. We have a lot of experience in games like that. You can't teach that type of game experience."
Bishop Carroll Catholic coach John Paul Scanlan agrees.
His Lady Huskies are very senior-heavy - 16 seniors out of 29 members - and return 14 girls that each started a "significant number of games" last season.
"That's probably our biggest advantage," Scanlan said. "These girls have played a lot of games together. It's not like they've seen it all, but I think they've got a lot of experience."
That experience will be needed to knock off perennial Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference favorites Bishop McCort, Westmont Hilltop and Richland.
And Schmitt's players even found out over the last few years that it takes extra work to get to the upper echelon of the league.
"In between scholastic soccer seasons [in the past], no one touched the ball," he said. "I told them this is no longer a two-and-a-half month program. I want to take that next step to where we're able to compete with the teams at the top of the league."
The following is a look at teams in the Mirror's coverage area with information as provided by the respective coaches.
Altoona
Coach: James John, second season
Career record: 7-9
League: Independent
2010 record: 7-9
Returning starters: Lindsey Green, sr.; Breanna Lender, sr.; Dianna Rizzo, sr.; Kelsey Swanger, sr.; Madison Hileman, jr.; Hannah Makin, jr.; Kaycie Reffner, jr.; Ashlyn Shaffer, jr.; Sara Kelley, so.
Other returnees: Jennah Schmitt, sr.; Morgan Chathams, so.; Alexis Mirenda, so.; Marissa Wagner, so.
Newcomers: Brooke Diantonis, sr.; Gabrielle Myrick, sr.; Selena Cardoza, so.; Michaela Bryan, fr.; Karlee Fink, fr.; Brooklyn Haugh, fr.; Andrea Ketcham, fr.; Molly Malone, fr.
Strengths: "We have an excellent core of players from last season. The players have worked hard in the offseason and are eager to begin this new season. With the group of incoming freshmen, we should have the added depth to gel with the veteran players."
Concerns: "Finding the right mixture of players to maximize our field presence."
Overall outlook: "We need to continue the momentum from last season and build upon the foundation that we developed as the season was ending last year."
Assistant coaches: Kyla Hollingshead
Bedford
Coach: Barrett Schrock, third season
Career record: 19-19
League: Laurel Highlands
2010 record: 9-9, 8-8 LHAC
Returning starters: Kelly Beegle, sr., mid.; Carrie Baker, jr., def.; Hannah Grimes, jr., mid.; Erin Mueller, jr., gk.; Katie Pyle, jr., mid.-for.; Jessica Querry, so., def.-for.
Other returnees: Emalee Weyandt, sr., gk.; Spencer Growden, sr., def.; Kellie Pyle, so., for.; Monica Littlefield, so., for.; Makayla Robinette, so., def.; Shelly Robison, so., mid.
Newcomers: Brook Emerick, jr., def.; Autumn Beland, so., def.-for.; Alyssa McDonald, so., for.; Madison Hershberger, fr., for.; Taylor Easter, fr., def.-mid.; Megan Ooghe, fr., def.; Kaitlyn Foor, fr., def.; Kourtney Mortimer, fr., for.; Devon Layton, fr., def.; Paige Diehl, fr., mid.-for.; Alayna Hammond, fr., mid.-for.; Katie Fleener, fr., def.; Jessica Hershberger, fr., def.; Kelsey Koontz, fr., gk.
Strengths: "We have a good group of girls who love to play soccer. I think we're really strong technically."
Concerns: "Experience. We only have six returning starters from last season."
Overall outlook: "I'm looking for this team to consistently play 80 minutes of highly competitive, intense, possession-oriented soccer. We're going to take a game-by-game approach this season."
Assistant coaches: Tonya Grimes, Tom Brambley
Bishop Carroll Catholic
Coach: John Paul Scanlan, sixth season
Career record: 26-64
League: Laurel Highlands
2010 record: 5-12, 3-12 LHAC
Returning starters: Julie Pawlikowski, sr., mid.-for.; Stephanie Bearer, sr., def.-gk.; Natalie Bukowski, sr., gk.-def.-for.; Cassidy Moore, sr., def.-mid.; Amber Link, sr., mid.-def.; Megan Schall, sr., def.-mid.; Cristina D'Angelo, sr., for.-mid.; Ashley Shook, sr., for.; Taylor Steeves, sr., for.-def.; Michaela Bearer, sr., def.-for.-mid.; Hannah Bennett, sr., def.-mid.; Olivia Kirsch, jr., for.-mid.; Mary Holtz, so., def.-gk.-for.; Emily Chobany, so., for.-mid.
Other returnees: Christina Benton, sr., def.-for.; Ashley Chirdon, sr., def.-mid.-for.; Marlenna Frederick, sr., for.-def.; Cassidy Moore, sr., def.-mid.; Isabella Schilling, sr., def.; Katelyn Clark, so., for.-mid.-def.
Newcomers: Erin Koehle, jr., gk.-mid.-def.-for.; Maggie Lallemand, jr., mid.-def.-for.; Breanna Powers, jr., for.-def.; Lauren Uchker, jr., def.-mid.; Paisley Zatek, fr., for.-mid.; Jessica Schaffer, fr., for.-mid.; Jamie Witham, fr., for.-mid.; Carrie DeAndrea, fr., for.-mid.-def.; Alexandria Dvorchak, fr., for.-mid.-def.
Strengths: "Senior leadership, athletic players, positive attitude, teamwork."
Concerns: "Staying healthy."
Overall outlook: "Our program is excited for the upcoming soccer campaign. We have a healthy mix of seasoned veterans sprinkled with an exciting group of underclassmen. The team has been working extremely hard and we are looking forward to put in the winning effort to be successful."
Assistant coach: Christopher Rozinsky
Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic
Coach: Harry McGhee, first season
Career record: 0-0
League: Laurel Highlands
2010 record: 1-19
Returning starters: Katherine Crocker, so., def.; Sydney Lee, jr., for.-mid.; Madison Oleary, jr., for.-mid.; Addie Ruston, jr., mid.; Julia Wertz, jr., gk.; Jennifer Patterson, so., mid.
Other returnees: Polly Macharola, sr., for.; Sara Bender, jr., def.; Annie Foster, jr., mid.; Emily Frederick, jr., mid.; Shannon Murphy, jr., mid.-def.; Allison Whorley, jr., def.; Nicki Carrieri, so., mid.-for.; Anna Dunning, so., mid.
Newcomers: Carolyn Silveria, sr., for.; Gabby Smith, so., gk.-mid.; Katelyn Nosek, so., mid.; Delaney Hallinan, fr., def.-mid.; Caitlyn Harrison, fr., for.; Carly Rickens, fr., def.; Maria Ruggery, fr., for.-mid.; Jessica Rudolph, fr., def.-mid.
Strengths: "Great work ethic, athleticism and speed should enable us to be competitive in every match."
Concerns: "On-the-field leadership, communication and ability to finish."
Overall outlook: "The team has worked hard, improving in all aspects of the game. With their positive attitudes and increased level of play, I expect to see significant improvements as the season progresses."
Assistant coach: Christine Snyder
Cambria County Christian
Coach: Lynn Fenchak, first season
Career record: 0-0
League: ACAA
2010 record: Did not field a team
Roster: Natalie Sokira, jr.; Breanna Berkebile, so.; Lauren Maykovich, fr.; Alexis Bertolino, fr.; Jenna Reed, fr.; Alexis Wolfe, fr.; Dora Maykovich, 8th gr.; Georganna Verdenberg, 8th gr.; Mary Catherine Couch, 7th gr.; Sierra Eagleson, 7th gr.
Strengths: "Athletic, positive attitudes, love of the game."
Concerns: "Young, lack of game experience."
Overall outlook: "This will be Cabria County Christian's first year to have a competitive girls soccer team in the ACAA. Looking forward to a growing, but successful year."
Cambria Heights
Coach: Andrea Wharton, second season
Career record: 10-9
League: Laurel Highlands
2010 record: 10-9, 8-8 LHAC
Returning starters: Serafina Bills, sr.; Olivia Woodley, sr.; Kady Bills, jr.; Kiera Bills, jr.; Alyssa Wills, jr.
Other returnees: Rose Bender, sr.; Amanda Semelsberger, sr.; Valerie Bender, jr.; Kaitlyn Cunningham, jr.; Cassandra Paronish, jr.; Christine Sopata, jr.; Makayla Price, so.
Newcomers: Heidi Kranz, jr.; Sydney Lane, so.; Kirstin Davis, fr.; Bethany Gray, fr.
Strengths: "We have a lot of returning players this season."
Concerns: "A smaller roster means everyone will have to work harder this year."
Overall outlook: "It's too early to tell how we'll compete within the tough Laurel Highlands Conference."
Assistant coach: Ken Kerchenske
Central Cambria
Coach: Renee Thompson, first season
Career record: 0-0
League: Laurel Highlands
2010 record: 6-11
Returning starters: Anya Pennington, sr., mid.; Taylor King-Brothers, jr., def.; Larissa Hunt, jr., def.; Allie Thompson, jr., mid.; Bri Wasser, so., for.
Other returnees: Cherie Girolami, sr., for.; Jackie Howell, sr., for.; Emily Leary, sr., for.; Alyssa Phillips, sr., def.; Marissa Warholic, sr., def.; Katie Bracken, jr., gk.; Brianna Colopy, jr., def.; Kelsey Hagens, jr., def.; Emily Harteis, jr., def.; Kandace Long, jr., for.; Shannon McGill, jr., def.; Rebekah Pinkowski, jr., def.; Victoria Roberts, jr., mid.; Jessica Russell, jr., for.-mid.; Abby Davidson, so., def.; Ashley Hildebrand, so., def.; Klein Kimball, so., mid.; Kaysee Rorer, so., mid.; Hanna Schofield, so., for.-mid.; Samantha Waterhouse, so., for.-mid.
Newcomers: Hope Mazeika, jr., for.-mid.; Renee Wahl, jr., gk.; Ashley Evans, so., def.; Erika Stewart, so., for.; Abby Walker, so., def.; Taylor Albertelli, fr., for.; Krista Berzonsky, fr., gk.; Jill Bracken, fr., mid.; Kassy Brown, fr., for.-mid.; Ali Papuga, fr., def.; Rachel Pinkowski, fr., mid.; Emily Ramirez, fr., def.; Allison Risaliti, fr., def.; Ashley Shaheen, fr., mid.
Strengths: "We have 40 girls on the roster, so we have a lot of depth at every position. They are a very dedicated group that has worked together all summer."
Concerns: "We have keepers with no varsity experience."
Overall outlook: "Our goal is to make it to districts. They have not been there since 2005. I expect the team to be very competitive this season."
Assistant coaches: Elise Dziack
Everett
Coach: Rom Kalinauskas, 31st season
Career record: Not available
League: Sideling Hill
2010 record: 10-8
Returning starters: Rachel Clark, sr.; Taylor Hillenbrand, sr.; Marissa Layton, sr.; Sarah Steckman, sr.; Kasi Payne, jr.; Shiane Pittman, so.
Other returnees: Kimberly Clark, so.; Meghan Hammond, so.; Olivia Hillenbrand, so.; Natalie Sterling, so.; Megan Stup, so.; Haley Pavlis, fr.
Newcomers: Macey Mallow, jr.; Kayla Murr, jr.; Josie Clark, so.; Madison Foor, so.; Rachel Foor, so.; Serena Hess, so.; Andrea Sirois, so.; Alexis Foor, fr.; Makayla Foor, fr.; Madysen Smyers, fr.; Alexa Phipps, fr.
Strengths: "The team's positive attitude, and being blessed with four outstanding seniors at the core of the team."
Concerns: "As we have 11 first time players, a lack of experience is one of our major concerns."
Overall outlook: "We hope to gain as much soccer experience and knowledge that we can and to work well together as a team."
Assistant coaches: Lisa Miller, Bobbi Jo Clark
Hollidaysburg
Coach: Dave Soellner, fourth season
Career record: 44-13-1
League: Independent
2010 record: 17-3
Returning starters: Brooke Lindsey, sr., for.; Kelly McIntyre, sr., def.; Alexis Preston, sr., mid.; Allison Stubbs, jr., def.; Michele Muir, jr., mid.; Anne Mielnik, so., for.; Peyton Civils, so., gk.; Madison Bernard, so., def.
Other returnees: Natalie Smith, sr., mid.; Morgan Shade, sr., for.; Shelby Rakoski, sr., def.; Angela Albarano, sr., mid.; Ashley Hardy, sr., for.; Nicole Day, jr., def.; Mikayla Dongeli, jr., for.; Maria Manon, jr., def.; McKenzie Roberts, so., def.; Madison Aungst, so., mid.
Newcomers: Tori Landry, jr., def.; Kayla Macvean, jr., for.; Emily Brown, fr., mid.; Ashlynd Drass, fr., def.; Kayie Gallagher, fr., for.; Laura Horne, fr., gk.; Austin Lowey, fr., mid.; Abbey Nebelski, fr., for.; Farrah Younes, fr., def.; Caroline Ellis, fr., mid.; Hannah Civils, fr., def.; Tracy Colliar, fr., mid.
Strengths: "Eight returning starters that know the game."
Concerns: "A lot of young players that need to grow fast, and we need to stay healthy."
Overall outlook: With hard work, we will have a successful season."
Assistant coaches: Rick Madara, Brian Behe, Crystal Stephens
Northern Bedford
Coach: Tammy Reasy, first season
Career record: 0-0
League: Sideling Hill
2010 record: 6-11-1
Returning members: Ashley McGhee, sr.; Kieren Ott, sr.; Courtney Reasy, sr.; Autumn Becquet, sr.,; Bethany Cronrath, jr.; Morgan Eshelman, jr.; Alyssa Smith, jr.; Briana Beach, jr.; Miranda Brallier, jr.; Danielle Eve Johnson, jr.; Lauren Morris, so.; Allison Eckenroad, so.; Brooke Guyer, so.
Newcomers: Kaylani Gunning, sr.; Jillian Bottenfield, jr.; Mikayla Gates, so.; Aaliyah Feight, so.; Danielle Dodson, fr.; Connor Reasy, fr.
Strengths: "These girls are very athletic and have become more aggressive."
Concerns: "Our concern is to replace the senior spots from last year."
Overall outlook: "We are covering a lot in soccer camp. I look for this team to continually improve all season. Our goal is to make the playoffs."
Assistant coaches: Bridget Bechtel, Ron Doverspike
Penn Cambria
Coach: Tom Schmitt, fourth season
Career record: 13-34-1 at Penn Cambria
League: Laurel Highlands
2010 record: 7-9, 6-6 LHAC
Returning starters: Maria Ruzzi, sr., def.; Kelly Bennett, jr., mid.; Sabrina Palguta, jr., mid.; Marissa Rodriguez, jr., mid.; Chayenne Gohn, jr., def.; Jessica Ryan, jr., def.; Vanessa Capoullez, jr., def.; Debbie Slovikosky, so., mid.; Kaitlyn Krug, so., for.; Alli Reese, so., gk.
Other returnees: Samantha Rhodes, sr., mid.; Kianna Fogel, so., mid.; Brandy Gibbons, so., for.
Newcomers: Alayna Tomaselli, sr., mid.; Lynette Conacher, sr., mid.; Kaitlin Little, fr., gk.; Sophia Furnari, fr., def.; Kasey Creehan, fr., for.; Holly Stiffler, fr., def.; Megan Wheeler, fr., def.
Strengths: "All but one player from last year's starting lineup returns this year. Excellent blend of athletic newcomers and experienced players."
Concerns: "Loss of top scorer Kate Reese to graduation, difficulties in finishing up top, scoring the goals we will need to stay competitive in the tough Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference."
Overall outlook: "Players have worked very hard in offseason playing in travel leagues and tournaments. I believe a number of games this season could be decided by one or two goals."
Assistant coaches: Kate Snyder, Paula Schmitt
Philipsburg-Osceola
Coach: Avis Ritter, seventh season
Career record: Not available
League: Mountain League
2010 record: 5-11, 2-6 Mountain
Returning members: Marissa Albert, sr.; Annetta Czar, sr.; Alayna Bertothy, jr.; Olivia Brown, jr.; Katrina Clark, jr.; Maggi Ferguson, jr.; Carly Gonder, jr.; Meili Belko, so.; Stephanie Brown, so.; Erica Coval, so.; Rebecca Groff, so.; Carley Hahn, so.; Cassandra Lewis, so.; Drew Peters, so.; Jordyn Powell, so.; Michala Whitehead, so.; Sarah Yarger, so.; Jacqueline Zawisa, so.
Newcomers: Brittany Neff, jr.; Mara Winters, jr.; Sarah Belinda, so.; Madison Beck, fr.; Kaelie Fox, fr.
Strengths: "Most of offense returning, hard-working, conditioned well."
Concerns: "Lost some key defenders."
Overall outlook: "To improve on last year's record."
Assistant coaches: Mandy Slegle, Kylie Minarchick, Kim Lumadue, Jeff Powell, Jim Josephson
Tussey Mountain
Coach: Bree Manges, fifth season
Career record: Not available
League: Inter-County Conference
2010 record: 11-5
Returning starters: Abby Abbot-Watkins, sr., def.; Caitlin Foster, sr., mid.; Kelsey McCue, sr., def.; Olivia Claycomb, jr., for.; Tess Drenning, jr., gk.
Other returnees: Katie Runk, sr., def.; Lindalle Foore, jr., mid.; Kaylee Rhodes, jr., def.; Lindsey Buseck, jr., mid.; Jackie Mock, jr., def.; Sam Coffman, so., mid.; Paige Thomas, so., mid.
Newcomers: Summer Heath, jr., def.; Rachel Phipps, jr., for.; Paige Reed, so., mid.-for.; Ashlan Black, so., def.; Erika Fleck, so., for.; Courtney Rupert, fr., for.; Alyse Starr, fr., def.; Caroline Neuharth, fr., for.; Lora Meck, fr., mid.
Strengths: "We have Olivia Claycomb returning, who was our highest scorer last year with 13 goals. I still believe that she will be strong for us offensively. Also, Sam Coffman has really developed and will be helping returing starter Caitlin Foster keep control of the midfield."
Concerns: "We lost seven seniors this past year and I also lost a junior [Whitney Watkins] that moved to Forbes Road that had started since she was a freshmen. I also had some very unexpected injuries that were unrelated to soccer."
Overall outlook: "I am hopeful that some of our players get crossed off the injured list for the beginning of the season. If that falls into place, I believe as a team we will be successful. I just need players to be healthy and for the new players to develop over the course of the season."
Assistant coaches: Roger Conley
