Hawken opens the 2020 season with 10 returning starters from a team that finished 7-8-3 last fall.
The Hawks, who reached the district tournament, are loaded with talent and experience.
“Heading into the 2020 season, we’re looking forward to an exceptional year with several club players returning to Hawken Soccer, helping us to fill some of the gaps left behind by graduating seniors and to make a name for themselves,” second-year Hawken coach Heidi Wilbrandt said. “Provided all our players stay healthy and strong, we have unlimited amounts of potential.”
The Hawks return four all-conference performers in seniors Lindy Bobrow and Amalia Blood, junior Zsofi Karetka and sophomore Carmen Cicerini.
Bobrow, a midfielder, scored 10 goals with five assists in 18 starts last fall. She earned first-team All-Chagrin Valley Conference and first-team All-Greater Cleveland honors.
“Lindy is an exceptional playmaker everywhere on the field,” Wilbrandt said. “Her vision ensures we’re creating goal-scoring opportunities every attacking play.”
Blood returns in the net for the Hawks after she stopped 108 shots in 15 games on the way to earning first-team All-CVC honors.
“Amalia’s focus and intensity enable her to make serious plays at crucial times during the game,” Wilbrandt said. “Her ability to read the game and execute effectively cannot be overstated.”
Karetka returns in the defensive third.
Last fall, she recorded two goals and an assist in 18 starts. She earned honorable mention All-CVC and All-Greater Cleveland honors.
“Zsofi is a versatile defensive player, committed to ensuring no attacking players exploit the middle of the field,” Wilbrandt said.
Cicerini, a forward, scored 14 goals with three assists in 18 starts. She earned second-team All-CVC and honorable mention All-Greater Cleveland honors.
“Carmen is coming back stronger and more confident, which will only support her speed and knack for goal-scoring,” Wilbrandt said.
The Hawks have a solid core with a key player at each level.
Finding the complementary pieces will determine just how much this team can accomplish in the fall.
“Continuing to capitalize on goal-scoring chances will be a major focus for us this season, as we’re looking to add more offensively-minded players into our mix while anchoring the defense with experienced, confident players,” Wilbrandt said.
