Graduating 13 seniors—including seven starters—would be enough to send most programs into rebuilding mode.
At Chardon, it simply means it’s time for the next group to step forward.
Head coach Mike Smith enters his eighth season after guiding the Hilltoppers to a 14-4-1 record in 2025, including a 1-1 postseason mark. While the roster will feature plenty of new faces, Smith believes the foundation has already been established through a successful junior varsity program and a productive offseason.
“We’ve worked all summer on plugging those holes and have done pretty well in doing so,” Smith said. “We’ll come out with a pretty competitive squad.”
The Hilltoppers return four starters and three additional letterwinners, providing a blend of experience and youthful talent that could keep Chardon among the contenders once again.
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Midfield Will Set the Tone
Despite the graduation losses, Smith believes the midfield could become the team’s biggest strength.
“Our midfield should be our strength this year,” Smith said. “It’s important that we control the game with our passing and combination play to keep pressure on our opponents’ defensive ends.”
If Chardon can dictate possession and tempo, the Hilltoppers believe they’ll be in position to compete with anyone on their schedule.
Returning Players
Gus Schneider (Senior, Goalkeeper) returns as one of the area’s most experienced keepers after posting six shutouts, 61 saves and allowing just 24 goals as Chardon’s everyday starter in 2025. His experience and leadership will be invaluable as the Hilltoppers break in several new starters on the back line.
Jordan Higham (Junior, Midfielder) is back after earning Honorable Mention Western Reserve Conference honors last season. He finished with one goal and four assists while helping orchestrate the offense and is expected to be one of the leaders in a midfield that Smith believes can become the team’s greatest strength.
Nathan Brockway (Junior, Defender) returns as a starter on the defensive line and will be counted on to anchor a unit replacing several graduated veterans. His experience should provide stability as younger players step into larger roles.
Gavin Yonosik (Senior, Forward) contributed four goals and one assist despite not being a starter a year ago. With increased opportunities this fall, the senior will be expected to help replace much of the offensive production lost to graduation.
Max Pitchler (Sophomore, Midfielder) gained valuable varsity experience as a freshman, recording an assist while showing the potential to become a bigger contributor. He is one of several young midfielders expected to take on an expanded role.
Sam Monkieiwcz (Sophomore, Midfielder) is another promising young player who is expected to see increased minutes after gaining valuable experience last season. His development will be important as Chardon integrates a new-look lineup.
Outlook
Replacing 13 seniors is never easy, but Chardon isn’t approaching 2026 as a rebuilding year. Instead, the Hilltoppers believe they’re reloading.
With an experienced goalkeeper, returning leadership in the midfield and defense, and several young players who gained valuable experience in a strong JV program, Chardon has the pieces to remain competitive. How quickly the new lineup develops chemistry will likely determine just how high the Hilltoppers can climb this fall.
“Potential is still pretty high considering we’re graduating 13 seniors and seven starters. Our JV team was pretty strong last year, and some players have already proven they belong with the varsity squad.”
