Chester County was well represented in team and individual honors in 2023 and they are positioned to be in the same boat this season. Bishop Shanahan, Downingtown East and Downingtown West were in a three-team struggle for the Ches-Mont League National Division title last season and all signs point to the same script. The Ches-Mont American, four teams — Great Valley, Kennett, Unionville and West Chester Rustin — might repeat the scramble they had last year.
Over in the Central League, Conestoga lost All-Area Player of the Year Kate Galica, but the Pioneers have an impressive array of star power as they look to go one step further than its state semifinal berth last year. Villa Maria is eager to return to the Class 2A state playoffs after missing out in 2023. The Hurricanes return a deep squad very capable of doing that.
Here is a look at the teams in the county:
Ches-Mont League National Division
Avon Grove >> Carlee Costello returns for her second year as coach after ending the Red Devils’ long postseason drought. They lost a number of seniors, but some key contributors of last year’s team return. Prominent among them is Sydney Correll, a second-team All-Ches-Mont selection at attack. Rylee Boyd was second team all-league as a freshman and is expected to solidify the midfield. Among other returners are Madison Regester, Brooke Huver and goalie Kylee Mellot. Among the newcomers expected to contribute are Lily Keen, Brianna Regester and Bella Anzalone.
Bishop Shanahan >> The Eagles lost a number of games by one goal last season as they reached the Class 2A semifinal. They had some key graduation losses, but some important returnees, including second team all-league member and Rutgers recruit, Stella D’Ambro. Other key contributors will be Ava Mullen, Broke Choi, goalie Izzy Sawicki, Gillian Greco, Carly Cunningham, Elize Pezone, Riley Murray and Adri Sward.
Coatesville >> “Our experienced upperclassmen will lead the charge and we are ready to leave our mark,” said coach Mandy Pittenger. That core includes Alexis Fields, Gia Boccio, Paige McKim, Mia Martin and goalie Makayla Harvey. Also being counted on to be key members are Avery O’Hara, Kaylee Harvey, Kylie Irwin, Myra Matukaitis, Kelsey Gathercole, Cam Williams and Bella D’Amato. The Red Raiders hope to make their mark in the National and earn a district playoff spot.
Downingtown East >> The Cougars lose just two seniors from a state qualifying team. One of those coming back is National MVP Lexie Conte, who will lead the attack. Second team members Cameron Yard and Finley Mulhern also return with fellow seniors Sofia Fanelli, Karyn Michaels and Ally Kennedy. Key juniors are Riley Marks, Jayne Michaels and Addy Mulhern.
“After graduating only two seniors last season, we are looking to build on what we started in 2023,” said second-year coach Kathryn Kropp. “Our players challenge and push each other daily in a focused effort to compete for the Ches-Mont title, make a run in districts and return to the state tournament.’
Downingtown West >> The most important newcomer for the Whippets is the person providing direction, first-year coach Emily Ernest. They ended up being tied with Downingtown East for first place in the National. Midfielder Ava Findora was on the first team All-Ches-Mont team as a freshman. Other important returners are Rylee Slate, Sydney O’Donnell, Ava Brady, Abby Morrison, Autumn Blair, Skylar Bailey, Brinn Findora, Taylor Bergey and goalie Katie Goodby.
“This group is strong,” said Ernest. “Their athleticism and field sense coupled with their ability to work together as a team is amazing. They have set the bar high and I am excited for them to reach their goals this season.”
West Chester East >> The Vikings look to improve on the strength of 100-career goal scorer Audrey Argonish and Andrea Rubio. Monica Krause and Lucy Daley are other key returners along with goalie Madelyn Morris.
West Chester Henderson >> The Warriors have a key member coming back, Kendall Brandon, one of the best attacks in the league.
Ches-Mont American
Great Valley >> The defending American Division champion will have to find replacements for their top two scorers, Kaitlyn Giandonato and Noelle Albanese.The Patriots’ top returner is sophomore Abby Diamond, who was named to the All-Ches-Mont second team. Head coach Kim Wenger is expected to have her team in the fight for the division title and a berth in the district playoffs.
Kennett >> The Blue Demons bring back a number of players for a team that finished second in the American last season. Topping the list are midfielders Mary Carroll, Noelle Foester and Greta Burns. Also coming back in the midfield are Marissa Herring and Quinn Simmons. Mia Matthews will anchor the defense. Jaylee Killgore should be the main provider of goals in the attack and Kaitylyn Snoke is the last line of defense in goal.
“The team as a whole hopes to return to District 1 playoffs again this season,” said coach Lisa Daugherty.
Oxford >> The Hornets hope to improve from a two-win season in the season. Oxford will have experience in key position — goalie. Senior Paige Boone, who was on the All-Ches-Mont honorable metion team, is expected to backstop the defense.
Unionville >> The Longhorns were tied for third in the American last season despite suffering some growing pains. First-year coach Coley Ricci has Siena Pitone as one of her top returning players.
West Chester Rustin >> The Golden Knights tied for third last year in the American and will look to mix in some younger players to fit in with an experienced group of returning players. Junior Jordyn Krafchick comes back after making first team all-league last season. Other players who will be counted on are Sammie McLaughlin, Izzie Mintz, Marley Seaman, Sloane Reilly and Lacie McKenna. Claire Fusco and Ava Capelli are a couple of fresh talents looking to make an impact.
“We have a great group of young athletes who want to win,” said coach Sarah Kropp. “We will be returning an experienced group at all areas of the field and will look to incorporate a strong group of freshman who we believe can make an immediate difference.”
Central League
Conestoga >> The Pioneers suffered a heartbreaking loss to Owen J. Roberts in the PIAA 3A semifinals last season. The cupboard is still stocked with talent, headed by Notre Dame commit Kiki Liebezeit, Penn State committ Ellie Wisch and Navy committ Chole Brown. Other top returners are Cassidy Brown (Temple), Keating Hopkins (Richmond), Emma Nikolic (Drexel), Eva Stagnaro (Boston U), Abbie Preston, Natalie Yarmark, Sam Meaney, Isa Thompson and goalie Alex Lepore. Other players that veteran coach Amy Orcutt is looking to contribute are Georgie Rios, Maria Ziff, Carolyn Jones, Lauren Grimes, Sofia Calvitti and Maddie Pulliam.
AACA
Villa Maria >> The Hurricanes missed the 2A state playoffs and are eager to rectify that this season. They are led by a trio of seniors, Allie Meyer, Mackenzie Liberatore and Lexie Dougherty. Juniors Caroline Capaldi, Lila Traynor, Elle Toto and goalie Quinn Hechler provide experience. Youngsters expected to contribute are sophomores Sophia Tray, Joey Early and MG Gormley and freshman Kayla Cellucci.
“We are very excited for the opportunity we have this year to be dynamic and gritty all over the field,” said coach Theresa Giunta. “Our goal is to grow and learn from every opportunity we have given by our strong schedule. We have several players that can play multiple positions, and two outstanding goalies who challenge and support each other, which gives us the chance to be unpredictable in our strategy in who we have on the field, utilizing individual strengths to be the best team we can be.
“We have several returning varsity players and a few making their varsity debut that gives us a competitive edge to represent our teammate first culture, with doing everything for each other and with each other.”
