The record from a year ago doesn’t tell the whole story.
After finishing 4-11-2 overall and 2-3 in the Chagrin Valley Conference Metro Division, Bryan Less believes the Independence Girls Soccer team is positioned to make a significant jump in 2026. Entering his 21st season at the helm, Less sees a roster built around experienced veterans and one of the strongest freshman classes to arrive at Independence in years.
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The ingredients are there.
Now it’s about bringing them together.
“We had a very talented freshman class come in,” Less said. “If they are able to fill in and play how I believe they can, we can be a .500 team. There are several skilled players returning, and the key will be getting the freshmen playing at the high school level.”
With six returning starters and 10 additional returning letterwinners, the Blue Devils hope that blend of youth and experience can reverse their fortunes this fall.
Fresh Faces Fill Important Roles
Replacing last year’s senior class won’t be easy.
Independence graduated experienced players from every line of the field, leaving vacancies at forward, midfield and defense. Fortunately for Less, he believes this year’s freshman class arrives ready to compete.
“We lost a nice group of seniors from last year,” Less said. “They played in each level of the field. But I think the freshmen we brought in will be able to replace these spots with their skill. The growth I’ve seen in some of the returning players will also help out.”
Leading that incoming group is freshman forward Alexis Conklyn, a player Less believes has an exceptionally bright future.
“Alexis is our top incoming freshman,” Less said. “She has put in tremendous work this summer and has already improved her left foot power and accuracy. She has the talent to be a future All-Ohio player.”
The midfield receives another boost from freshmen Emma Noll and Alyssa Haller, two technically gifted players expected to contribute immediately.
“Emma already has the skills to play at the high school level,” Less said. “She just needs to get adjusted to the physical play. She has a very high IQ. When I tell her something, she figures out how to do it very quickly.”
Haller brings many of the same qualities.
“Alyssa is very similar to Emma,” Less said. “She has high school soccer skills but will need to get adjusted to the physical play. Her weak foot strength is already a plus, and she is confident on the field.”
Freshman defender Ally Suchan rounds out the impressive class.
“Ally is one of the top athletes on the team, even though she is only a freshman,” Less said. “She is still a very raw player, but is willing to use her weak foot and won’t get outrun by a forward. In the future, she will turn into an outstanding defender.”
Veterans Ready to Lead
While the freshmen provide excitement, Independence’s success will ultimately rest on a talented veteran core.
Junior forward Avery Bechlem emerged as one of the area’s top goal scorers last season, finishing with 14 goals and three assists while earning Honorable Mention All-CVC Metro honors.
Now entering her second season of high school soccer, Less believes another breakout campaign is within reach.
“This is Avery’s second year of high school soccer,” Less said. “Last season she had spurts where she was a dominant forward. If she puts complete games together, we could have a very nice offense, and she could score 20 goals.”
Creating opportunities behind her is junior midfielder Bella Patacca, who earned First Team All-CVC Metro and First Team Greater Cleveland Division V recognition after recording eight goals and two assists.
Less has already noticed dramatic improvements during the offseason.
“Bella is our top returning player,” he said. “This season I have seen a big increase in her fitness and foot speed. She definitely put the work in over the winter and spring. I think the addition of Alexis in the offensive end will give her a great passing option, so I could see her assist number get close to 10. Bella will have a fantastic year.”
In goal, senior Kylie Hanobik returns after posting 112 saves, four shutouts and even an assist off a booming punt. A First Team All-CVC Metro and First Team Greater Cleveland Division V selection, Hanobik used the offseason to further elevate her game.
“Kylie played an offseason of club soccer for the first time, so I expect a ton of growth from her,” Less said. “She does a great job of coming out for breakaways, but she got an offseason of real goalkeeper training. I think she could be one of the real strengths for our team.”
Defensive Growth Could Be the Difference
The Blue Devils also return an experienced defensive unit that should provide stability.
Senior Katie Ksiazka earned Second Team All-CVC Metro and Honorable Mention Greater Cleveland Division V honors after contributing one goal and two assists while playing multiple positions over the last two seasons.
“Katie is strong,” Less said. “She has a ton of power in her body and uses it well. She is probably also the most fearless player on our team. She has played all over the field the past two years, and I see her being a defensive anchor this season.”
Junior Rachel Mack quietly became one of the team’s most dependable defenders.
“Rachel is probably our most vocal player on the field,” Less said. “She talks a lot, which is a great trait in soccer. She is a steady defender who puts in a very even game.”
Another intriguing storyline is the position change for junior Alyssa Hujarski.
After spending most of the past two seasons as an attacking player and producing four goals with one assist last year, she’ll slide into the back line this fall.
“Alyssa works hard and has made tremendous strides in her game,” Less said. “She played mostly forward the past two years, but I see her taking a new role in the defensive end this season.”
Fitness Will Determine the Ceiling
The Blue Devils know talent alone won’t determine their success.
With limited depth, conditioning and durability will be critical throughout the season.
“We have to be fit,” Less said. “We have some skilled players that will need to be able to play at a high level for 70-80 minutes.”
That’s why Independence has placed additional emphasis on strength training.
“We need the players with speed and skill to be able to be on the field a lot,” Less said. “We do not have a very deep team, so we must also use the weight room to help avoid minor injuries.”
If those pieces fall into place, Less believes this group could surprise people.
“If the freshmen can compete at the high school level early,” he said, “we could equal our win total from the previous two years combined.”
For a program looking to turn potential into production, the Blue Devils believe 2026 could be the beginning of that next step.
Outlook
Independence returns an accomplished veteran core led by Bella Patacca, Avery Bechlem and Kylie Hanobik while welcoming one of the program’s most talented freshman classes. If the newcomers adjust quickly and the Blue Devils stay healthy, Independence has the pieces to take a significant step forward this fall.
