High School Soccer

Equipped for competition: Four area programs returning key members of title teams in girls high school soccer

2025 High School Girls Soccer preview

Last year was a very successful season for many of the high school girls soccer teams in the Mirror's core coverage area.

Bishop Guilfoyle Academy (1A), Cambria Heights (2A), Hollidaysburg (3A) and Altoona (4A) all won District 6 championships and many of those teams have key players returning to try and help them repeat this season.

The Lady Marauders return three Mirror first-team all stars in Hailey DeGol, Emma Marasco and keeper Abrie "Cece" Rumfola.

Altoona has first-teamers Ava Frye and Sophia O'Dea back from a history-making team that advanced deeper into the postseason than any in program history.

Fellow first-teamer Brooklyn Galinis, who scored 34 goals last season and led Cambria Heights to its first-ever District 6 title, also returns for her senior season.

Hollidaysburg returns two second-teamers in Jillian Buffone and Kate Steiner.

Penn Cambria will get a boost from returning first-teamer Meghan Andersen.

The following is a capsulized look at all of the high school girls soccer teams in the Mirror's core coverage area.

Altoona

Coach: Marc Frye, third year

Career record: 30-12

Last year's record: 15-6

Conference: Independent

Returning starters: Seniors--Aubriana Berardinelli, Sophia O'Dea. Juniors--Andie Adams, Ajaycia Alexander, Sylvie Boslet, Ava Frye, Haylee Rodriguez

Other returning letterwinners: Seniors--Adelyn Himmelwright, Bella Miller, Zaelinh Nguyen-Moore. Juniors--Grace Camberg, Gianna Huber, Josephine Irwin, Lauren Metrik, Ingrid Steward. Sophomores--Lilyahana Wisor, Jenna Zeak

Newcomers: Senior--Achiera Cuspert. Junior--Grace Weston. Freshmen--Katie Beck, Elsie Behe, Natalie Bumbarger, Leah Connolly, Maura Farabaugh, Nara Harzbecker, Calli Ingham, Evie Irwin, Morgan Irwin, Chloe Jones, Cora Jones, Layla McCarter, Leah Nedimyer, Mikayla Patterson

Strengths: "We have quality depth this season."

Concerns: "Staying healthy."

Overall outlook: "We have a tough schedule this season, but I expect the girls to compete in every game."

Assistant coaches: Josh Boslet, Mike Metrik, Dave McCarter

Junior high coach: Julia Lane

Bishop Carroll

Coach: Suzanna Long, fourth year

Career record: 20-30-2

Last year's record: 7-11

Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference

Returning starters: Seniors--Madison Delauter mid., Elana Smith def./mid., Jillian Cutlip mid., Alivia Lieb def., Myah Miller keeper/def., Sophia Kutsick def. Juniors--Anna Ludwig def., Emma Farabaugh mid/for., Adelyn Myers for./def., Hannah Strittmatter def./mid.

Newcomers: Freshmen--Brynn Miller for., Charli Stokes def., Claira Myers mid., Hailey Sossong mid./for., Sophie Cunningham keeper/def.

Strengths: "We are so excited for this year. Our soccer players are a tight team that works so well together."

Concerns: None listed

Overall outlook: "We look forward to a successful year. We will have a nice blend of upper classmen and our new freshmen coming in."

Assistant coach: Jim Regula

Bishop Guilfoyle

Coach: Joe DeLeo, ninth year

Career record: 111-67-4

Last year's record: 16-4-1

Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference

Returning starters: Seniors--Hailey DeGol for., Delaney Lechner mid. Juniors--Gabby Earnest mid., Abrie "Cece" Rumfola keeper, Emma Marasco for., Catie Cammarata def., Jenna Geishauser def./mid., Lily Sapp mid.

Other returning letterwinners: Senior--Payton Ronan mid. Junior--Keira Ronan mid. Sophomores--Bella Noel def., Meggie Ritchey for., Lola Wilson def./keeper

Newcomers: Sophomores--Calee Kennedy mid., Mikayla Bianconi mid./def., Isabella Bianconi mid./def.

Strengths: "We return a good number of players from last year and we are pleased with the progress of our new additions."

Concerns: "We have a challenging schedule with some great opponents, and we lost some significant senior leadership last year."

Overall outlook: "Our goal is to be competitive in every game in the Laurel Highlands and get better each week."

Assistant coaches: Paul Yingling, Leonard Sapp, Jordan DeLeo

Junior high coaches: Erica Kennedy, Kim Wright

Blair County Christian

Coach: Chris Davis, second year

Career record: 17-1

Last year's record: 17-1

Conference: Allegheny Christian Athletic Association

Returning starters: Senior--Mack Huston def. Juniors--Jena Kane def./keeper, Ava Snyder mid., Kadee Spinazzola for. Freshman--Allison Hall def./mid.

Other returning letterwinners: Freshman--Gianna Spinazzola def. Eighth grade--Ali Focht mid.

Newcomers: Junior--Melissa Burris mid./def. Freshmen--Emily Focht def., Coletta Mullinix def. Eighth grade--Annabelle Kennedy def./mid. Seventh grade--Cora Tucci for.

Strengths: "Some very fast and talented newcomers to help replace the loss of four very talented players (some unexpected loss of returners)."

Concerns: "Very young; very inexperienced (at high school level); few in number (can't afford injuries)."

Overall outlook: "Great potential with a young, fast, somewhat skilled group of players. We will improve throughout the year (if we stay healthy). Working hard on technical and tactical skills; must play as a 'TEAM' (not individually). Will not repeat a 17-1 record; but will be competitive (if we stay healthy)."

Assistant coach: Rob Miller

Cambria Heights

Coach: Nikki Spanik, sixth year

Career record: 48-42-2

Last year's record: 16-3-2

Conference: Heritage Conference

Returning starters: Seniors--Brooklyn Galinis for., Hallie Hayes center; Brielle McMillen mid., Kinley Rogal mid., Morgan Ross center. Juniors--Abby Farabaugh mid./for., Sarah Weld left back

Other returning letterwinners: Juniors--Libby Dubler mid., Emma Gilbey keeper/mid., Lilly Karlheim fullback/keeper, Ella Lamb for./mid. Sophomores--Kallie Weideman mid., Claire North-Smyers mid.-keeper, Addy Kopera for., Emma Bender for., Kennedy Greene fullback, Autumn Groer for., Elyce Hilyer center, Noel Hockenberry fullback

Newcomers: Senior--Bailey Hammerle. Junior--Nicole Poot Gomez center. Freshmen--Mele Lavelua for./mid., Aleah Rinker mid., Amanda Smeltzer mid.

Strengths: "Our strength is we have developed into a more seasoned program over the years. The team has been wonderful to work with. Great attitudes and work ethic that made that possible."

Concerns: "Every year it's hard to say goodbye to the seniors. I think seeing them leave and keeping up with other teams will be a challenge. It's constant competition. You have to work hard to keep up."

Overall outlook: "My overall outlook for this year is pretty positive. I see these girls giving me 100%. They are enjoyable, hard working and dedicated. I'm lucky to coach this group. I look forward to seeing them compete for the District 6 title."

Assistant coach: Greg Galinis

Junior high coach: Brian Hayes

Central

Coach: Randy Trexler, fourth year with girls, 12th overall

Last year's record: 12-5-1

Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference

Returning starters: Seniors--Madeline Benton def., Carli Hart for., Leya Hazenstab mid., Bethany Kensinger mid. Juniors--Julia Bowser def. Sophomore--Kailyn Gahagan keeper

Other returning letterwinners: Juniors--Cameron Bailey, Brittany Bartley, Sophia Keith, Lilly Harbaugh, Addison Long, Ellie McIntier, Mya Long. Sophomores--Taren Bloom, Kylie Wolf

Newcomers: Junior--Rylie Oldham. Freshmen--Jessica Dell, Marah Diehl, Angelina Horon, Grace Kuzar, Lena Lanzendorfer, Camryn Parilla, Kassidy Ripka, Margaret Young

Strengths: "Good chemistry, half returning starters including goal keeper, and good technical pass/receiving skills. I'm excited to see who will fill the remaining starting positions."

Concerns: "Consistent scoring. Staying healthy and playing a tough schedule. We tend to be slow starters during games and in the season."

Overall outlook: "Continue to be competitive in every game. Starting with Gahagan at keeper who started as a freshman, had 62 saves and a 70% stop percentage last year. The back line led by two-year starter Julia Bowser who earned team-high seven defensive MVPs and senior Maddie Benton. The front line and midfield have depth with interchangeable position-players including Hart, Hazenstab and lefty Kensinger. A deep bench of fundamental and athletic players should provide everything needed to reach the playoffs.

Assistant coach: Shawn Kensinger

Junior high coach: Chris Carrier

Central Cambria

Coach: Gary Simmons, first year

Career record: 0-0

Last year's record: 10-9

Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference

Returning starters: Senior--Katie Scott. Juniors--Halli Amenti for./mid., Marjwok Ohja for./mid., Maggie Springer mid. Sophomore--Gabby Mowry mid.

Other returning letterwinners: Seniors--Karlee Nileski for./mid., Addie Rosko def. Junior--Julia Murphy def./mid. Sophomores--Lydia Wise def./mid., Izzy O'Brien def., Corey Anderson mid./def., Sophie Stock def./mid.

Newcomers: Freshmen--Mandi Cavazza for., Abby Claar mid., Kylee Magulick mid./def., Alayna Ford def./mid., Addie Bobby mid., Kaija Graham def./keeper, Corina Kubat def./keeper, Kaydence Sinclair for./mid.

Strengths: "A very positive and fun group of students with multiple positions open to competition as seven players from last year's squad graduated. They are eager to take on bigger or new roles. We also have a fourth-year starting goalkeeper."

Concerns: "We will have six new starters. Inexperience will have significant roles at every level."

Overall outlook: "This team has a chance to be very competitive when they realize the potential they have as they gain experience."

Assistant coaches: Abby O'Brien, Sam Amenti

Chestnut Ridge

Coach: Jeffrey Muir, third year

Career record: 2-20

Last year's record: 1-10

Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference

Returning starters: Juniors--Lilly Muir off./def., Delayna Hess off., Marley Whisel keeper/def., Cara Ebersole def., Lariah Quao keeper/def.

Other returning letterwinners: Junior--Kylie Lewis off.

Newcomers: Sophomore--Kloe Carson def. Freshmen--Audrey Zeigler off., Kirsten Kohler off., Aidan Davis def., Emily Kiser def., Teagan Hammer def., Bella Kidd def., Marissa Colledge off.

Strengths: "Skill and speed."

Concerns: "Very young, no seniors."

Overall outlook: "Young and aggressive. Going to be fun watching them."

Assistant coach: Brad Hess

Great Commission

Coach: Steve DiBiase, first year

Career record: 0-0-0

Last year's record: 6-8-1

Conference: Allegheny Christian Athletic Conference

Returning starters: Seniors--Kayelynn Summers def./mid., Kiera Wertman def. Juniors--Aly Miller mid./def., Grace DiBiase striker, Marlow Schorner right wing, Michaela Edson def., Sophia Fleck keeper/def. Sophomore--Alexa Hall, mid.

Other returning letterwinners: Senior--Michelle McConnell def./mid., Solamae Eilenberger def. Sophomore--Trinity McConnell def. Eighth grade--Emma Lawruk def., Sophia Hicks left wing

Newcomers: Junior--Mercy DiBiase mid./def. Freshmen--Nadia Wertz def., Sara Stachmus def. Eighth grade--Adalee Bickings keeper/def., Arianna Jolley

Strengths: "Girls with good Christian character who work hard and are eager to get better. Team unity is also a strength. The girls encourage each other, look out for each and help each other succeed."

Concerns: "We have a fairly young team with many of the girls not having much soccer experience."

Overall outlook: "This is going to be a fantastic season. We are looking forward to showing the community that you can play soccer and strive for greatness while reflecting the love of Christ."

Assistant coaches: Laura Wray, Israel Rosillo, Julie Rosillo

Hollidaysburg

Coach: Tristan delGiudice, fourth year

Career record: 44-17-1

Last year's record: 15-6-1

Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference

Returning starters: Seniors--Lily Chestney for., Jillian Sidney mid., Bailey Stoehr mid. Juniors--Taylor Buss def., Bella Creamer def., Kate Steiner mid. Sophomores--Jillian Buffone def., Allie Hayer for.

Other returning letterwinners: Senior--Brantley Ackinclose mid. Juniors--Anna Bender keeper, Sage Capone for., Kaitlin Davis mid. Samantha Garman for., Sophia McClelland for. Sophomores--Ashlyn Callahan for., Lydia Desort def., Kendra Dodson def., Lexi Eardley def., Grace Long def., Leah Pugh def., Mara Ulery def.

Newcomers: Freshmen--Sydney Bard mid., Zoey Fuchs mid., Ellie Jadlocki keeper, Ella McKnight def., Kelsa Snyder for., Farrah Tepsic def., Sydney Ulery for.

Strengths: "Strong core of returning players."

Concerns: "Staying healthy throughout the season."

Overall outlook: "The schedule is tough, but we're excited to get started and look forward to the challenge."

Assistant coaches: Matt Stoehr, Crystal Stephens, Maddy Faith, Jordan Bard

Junior high coach: Will Fitzgerald

Northern Bedford

Coach: Marcus Yeatts

Career record: 42-19-1

Last year's record: 11-8-1

Conference: Inter-County Conference

Returning starters: Seniors--Olivia Helsel left wing, Rachel Miller right back, Alyssa Yeatts mid. Juniors--Lydia Barton center, Kitt Reininger right wing, Mayleigh Ritchey center. Sophomores--Blaire Gable keeper, Hailee Troy mid. Hannah Yeatts striker

Other returning letterwinners: Juniors--Abigail Detwiler mid., Mylee Mitchell striker, Rhianna Wilson def. Sophomores--Aubrey Holsinger mid., Yasmin Miller striker, Tiffany Scott wing, Avery Smith wing

Newcomers: Sophomore--Kyanna Hall mid. Freshmen--Bristol Barton def., Rachel Clouse for., Mackenzie Dick keeper, Ava Gutshall wing, Bella McCoy mid., Willa Poteat def., Myrinah Ritchey def., Ryann Welsh def.

Strengths: "We have lots of experience returning from last season. Last year was a bit of a rebuild, but we have most of our pieces back from a team that started the year 3-5 and then won 8 of our last 12 games. Alyssa Yeatts is a returning all-ICC player, a four-year starter and will be our leader on the field. Our center back combo of May Ritchey and Lydia Barton were very strong toward the end of last season and we will look to build on that. Hannah Yeatts returns as our leading scorer from last season and she will be joined by Mylee Mitchell, who was all-ICC in 2023 but then missed 2024 with an injury. We also have more quality depth than we have had in my four years as coach. Our sophomore and freshman classes are strong."

Concerns: "We need to be able to meet the physicality and speed of the top teams that we play. We are relatively young, two-thirds of our players are sophomores and freshmen and then need to adjust to varsity soccer."

Overall outlook: "We hope to compete for the ICC and District 5 championships. How we improve over the season will determine how far we will go toward meeting that goal."

Assistant coaches: Logan Corle, Sacia Smith

Junior high coaches: Brandon Horton, Jason Barton

Penn Cambria

Coach: Joe Landi, fourth year

Career record: 18-36-1

Last year's record: 7-11

Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference

Returning starters: Seniors--Michaela Dillon, Danielle Farabaugh, Avery Holland, Meghan Andersen. Juniors--Megyn Stipanovich, Aubree Rickens, Bethany Watt. Sophomores--Autumn Farabaugh, Kyla Adams, Peyton Rabatin, Rachel Fisher

Other returning players: Sophomores--Emma Eckenrode, Catrina Rainey, Addi Delgrande, Isabella Askins, Ava Poborsky, Ava Riggleman, Lily Kay, Carlae Watt

Newcomers: Junior--Addasyn Berkheimer. Sophomore--Kennedie Gottshall. Freshmen--Kiara Diehl, Kendal Wessel, Alyssa Piatiak, Laila Harsh, Kali Lidwell

Strengths: "The team has a good core of returning players and some newcomers that should make an impact."

Concerns: "The biggest concern would be the overall level of inexperience with the team."

Overall outlook: "Looking to build on last season's experience and improve upon last year's record."

Assistant coach: Kaeli Smith

Junior high coaches: Tom Creehan, Mike Smith

Tyrone

Coach: Lance Robinson, first year

Career record: 0-0-0

Last year's record: 5-13-1

Conference: Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference

Returning starters: Seniors--Marissa Cacciotti def., Jaysa Carns def., Hailey Loupe def. Juniors--Allie Blaska for., Sarah Chichester def., Pyper Sparklin keeper, Emily Houghton wing. Sophomores--Kadence Berry for., Maya Plummer wing

Other players: Sage Walters, Alice Knorr, Jayden Himes, Kiera Pennington, Emery Cole, Olivia McCloskey, Abby Lucas, Piper Myers, Aubrey Biter, McKinley Albright

Strengths: "Experience and chemistry."

Concerns: "Not playing physical enough."

Overall outlook: "We are a very competitive group of young ladies. I see us winning plenty of games."

Junior high coaches: Logan Black, Kim Fagen