Wickliffe’s dream season ended in the district championship round last fall and the Blue Devils are hungry for more in 2024.
With nine starters and five others with varsity experience returning, 16th-year head coach Steve Gribovicz is optimistic his squad is ready to compete.
“Heading into the season, we are encouraged by the development of the players throughout the offseason and preseason,” he said. “We look forward to building off the momentum of last season and carrying it into this season. We have many returning upperclassmen and a slew of developing sophomores that have begun to create a great competitive atmosphere in training which should translate onto the field once the season begins.”
The Blue Devils, who finished 17-2 overall and 3-1 in the Chagrin Valley Conference, have two key holes to fill this fall.
Replacing Eliza Wills and Annabella Stoehr, mainstays in the lineup over the past four years, won’t be easy.
“We only lost two players from last year’s team due to graduation, but they were two major players,” Gribovicz said. “We likely will not be able to fill those roles on a one-for-one basis, but we have many players ready to work together to fill those roles as a unit. Finding the correct fit for the players in a formation that allows them to achieve their potential, along with providing impactful tactics will help the team fill the roles left by them.”
Senior forward Ava Gabriel’s return to the starting lineup softens the blow of the graduation losses.
Gabriel scored 21 goals with 12 assists last season on the way to earning first-team All-CVC and first-team All-Greater Cleveland honors.
“Ava is coming off a tremendous season,” Gribovicz said. “Her physical style of play and body positioning allows her to control the top line and be a dual threat as a playmaker. She plays with composure and is going to be a key contributor her senior season.”
Joining Gabriel up top is junior forward Tiana Torrence, who scored 19 goals with six assists last season. She was named second-team All-CVC and All-Greater Cleveland.
“Tiana has grown as a player this offseason,” Gribovicz said. “She has refined some of her skill work and has taken on a more vocal role this preseason. Her knowledge of the game and high soccer IQ will be invaluable this season.”
Wickliffe’s midfield includes seniors Leah Skufca and Lauren Smith and sophomore Izzy DeFrank.
Skufca earned second-team All-CVC and honorable mention All-Greater Cleveland honors last fall after scoring two goals with four assists.
“Leah is ready to step into a larger role this season as a focal point to the offense,” Gribovicz said. “She is playing with confidence and making quick decisions. These factors added to a more developed arsenal of skills this offseason will make her a threat every game this season.”
Smith was an honorable mention all-conference and All-Greater Cleveland selection.
“Lauren is a tireless worker that knows how to play within the framework of our system,” Gribovicz said. “She regularly gives every repetition of every drill her all and it shows each game. She will be a foundational piece for us this season.”
DeFrank scored four goals with four assists as a freshman.
“Izzy is coming into her own going into her sophomore season,” Gribovicz said. “She has unbelievable ball control and is becoming more comfortable taking her opportunities. Her development over the past offseason has paid off and can lead her to a breakout season.”
A senior-laden backline will help protect Wickliffe’s net.
Gabriella Ervin, Maddie Kita, and Juliana Adams are all returning starters.
“Gabby has been a staple on our back line and will continue in that role this year. She has been instrumental in helping our underclassmen feel more comfortable in the system. Her ability to play the ball with both legs and knowledge of the game make her a perfect fit for what we are looking to do defensively this season,” Gribovicz said. “Maddie is a relentless defender who is not afraid to get physical when needed. She is among our best marking defenders on the field which will be needed this season. She is a key piece to our transition offense and will be counted on this season to continue to play aggressively. Juls is a student of the game. She takes her film work seriously, which allows her to be in the best possible position to make plays on the field. She communicates well with her teammates which allows the defense to work together efficiently and at a high rate of speed.”
And if opponents break through the Wickliffe defensive line, they’ll still have to contend with one of the area’s top goalkeepers.
Senior Cade Virgilio returns to mind the net this season after earning second-team All-CVC and All-Greater Cleveland honors.
She recorded 56 saves and allowed just 0.63 goals per game.
“Cade is coming off an impressive season,” Gribovicz said. “As the keeper, Cade’s ability to
vocalize how to shift the defense paired with an aggressive play style to come out of the box will be counted on this season. Cade has strong hands and great positioning which will continue to help us if opponents are able to crack our back line.”
With a loaded lineup, Wickliffe has the potential to improve upon last season’s success, but nothing will be handed to the Blue Devils.
“Our ability to learn and grow will play an important role in our success this season,” Gribovicz said. “This season may have some more ups and downs, as it is hard to replicate a 17-2-0 season. The ability of the team to appreciate each game and develop their play from one game to the next will be a key to our success. The film work will be just as important as the field work this year as we look to take that next step forward as a program. We have a very good foundation currently and we are excited to see what the future holds this season.”
