West Geauga head coach Cassidy Lewis led the Wolverines to a 5-0 record and a Chagrin Valley Conference title in her first season.
Now, with six returning starters and three others with varsity experience returning, Lewis is optimistic the Wolverines can defend their title this fall.
“The six returning starters include our goalie, one defender, three midfielders, and one attacker. These players all had phenomenal seasons last year and are only improving for this team’s success to come this season,” Lewis said. “We lost two strong defenders and midfielders due to graduation. We are bringing in some developed JV players along with new freshmen.”
The Wolverines finished the 2023 season with a 7-10-2 record overall and a 5-0 mark in the CVC.
To improve upon that success, the 2024 Wolverines must come together with 11 girls playing as one.
“This team will be successful this season by playing for each other and working as a unit,” Lewis said. “During preseason, we are looking to figure out the best formation for our players to work as a unit in and produce, learning each other’s playing styles and what makes each player successful, to make the entire team a success.”
Leading the way for the Wolverines is junior forward Adison Cook, who earned first-team all-district, first-team All-CVC, and was named the CVC Player of the Year. She recorded 16 goals with eight assists last fall.
“Adi is always hungry to score and get herself in a one-on-one against any keeper,” Lewis said. “She is quick and shifty on and off the ball.”
Sophomores Ava Borz, Amelia Zaffiro, and Faelynn Beckrest are returning starters in the midfield.
Boraz scored two goals and added two assists on the way to earning second-team All-CVC. Zaffiro scored three goals with four assists on her way to being named second-team All-CVC. Beckrest also was a second-teamer after scoring four goals as a freshman.
“Ava plays calm and collected on the ball. She has great vision and is our main outlet to move our team up the field,” Lewis said. “Amelia is a very versatile player, you may see her at center mid, defense, or forward. She is a beast in any position she’s in and finds success all over the field. Faelynn came in with a lot of tactical skill and quickness to make her stand out quickly and score some crucial goals last season.”
Sophomore defender Taylor Swaye was an honorable mention all-conference selection as a freshman, and she once again will be counted on to anchor the defense.
“Taylor played a part of our back three last season and will be moving into a center-back position this year,” Lewis said. “This sophomore will hold down the back line this year and be a strong leader for the team.”
Senior Michaela Platt returns to mind the net after recording 121 saves last season, including two on PK tries.
Platt was an honorable mention all-district and first-team All-CVC selection last fall.
“Michaela is a true athlete, and she shows that in her goaltending skills,” Lewis said. “She truly creates the idea of 11 field players and stays connected with the team’s flow.”
