Edgewood kicked off the 2024 season with a win over Jefferson and if all goes well, the Warriors will add many more wins this season.
The Warriors return eight starters and two others with varsity experience from last year’s squad that finished 4-11-1.
“Going into this season, I see lots of potential and depth,” said third-year head coach Kaytee Shimek. “We have a lot of new players who are going to make a difference. I see my team having some upsets this year.”
Edgewood graduated its goalkeeper along with a center back and center midfielder.
“We have been working hard last year as well as this year to fill those holes,” Shimek said. “We have many younger players stepping up and finding success.”
The Warriors do return three All-Chagrin Valley Conference performers in Montana Estok, Natalie Ianetta, and Kylie Miller.
Estok, a senior midfielder, was named first-team All-CVC after scoring 10 goals with two assists.
“Montana is one of the key players on the team,” Shimek said. “As our center midfielder, she is making plays happen and generating a lot of our offense. She has had great success with our team, and I am excited to watch her senior season play out.”
Ianetta, a sophomore defender, was an honorable mention All-CVC selection last fall.
“Natalie is a returning center back for us. She is going on her second year in this key position, and I see her thriving,” Shimek said. “She is a leader on the team and helps everyone understand their position. I am excited to see her continue to grow and make a significant impact.”
Miller, a senior midfielder, scored three goals with one assist as a junior. She was named honorable mention All-CVC.
“Kylie is a returning midfielder for us. She is always at the right place at the right time,” Shimek said. “She has great soccer knowledge and knows how to make an impact. I’m excited to see her thrive during her senior season.”
Junior forward Avery Hart is a returning starter. She scored three goals with one assist last year.
“She is growing every day and taking more responsibility on the team,” Shimek said. “She will make a great impact on the team this year.”
The Warriors return senior Olivia Fenton and sophomore Carly Kray in the midfield.
“Olivia is a returning key defensive midfielder. She takes pride in her performance and does anything for the betterment of the team. She wins key balls and advances the ball forward for the more offensive players to run onto. I’m excited to watch her play this year,” Shimek said. “Carly is a returning midfielder for us. She is a player that can play any position that the team needs. She is growing every day in her soccer knowledge and intensity on the field. I see her creating lots of key plays this season.”
Defensively, the Warriors will rely on juniors Emma Warner and Natalie Stump to help protect their new goalkeeper.
“Emma is a returning defender for us. She is now in a center-back role with more responsibility. She is taking on new challenges with being in such an important position and she is thriving,” Shimek said. “Natalie is a returning defender for us. She is a tough player that wins the ball and immediately generates counterattacks. She is great on the dribble and makes a huge impact.”
Sophomore forward Delilah DeGeorge will make her first appearance in the starting lineup.
“Delilah has stepped up and has grown a lot since last season,” Shimek said. “She is a player that will come out and score important goals. I’m excited to continue to see her grow and make an impact on our team.”
Edgewood has the potential for solid improvement this season if the Warriors can come together and play 11 as one throughout the season.
“To be successful this season, our team needs to connect and play together as a solid unit. The skill is there, and we are continuing to work together and maintain possession,” Shimek said. “I plan to motivate and encourage my team to play their game and play to their skill set.”
