With eight returning all-conference performers, Crestwood opens the 2023 poised to repeat as Chagrin Valley Conference Valley Division champions.
The Red Devils, who finished 7-8-2 overall and 6-0 in league play, return eight starters from last year’s league championship squad.
“Expectations for this team are extremely high by me and the coaching staff to reach our potential and goals as a team,” said first-year head coach Eric Sway, who doubles as Crestwood’s boys’ coach.
Crestwood won’t be without challenges this season as the Red Devils seek their first winning record since 2018.
Among their graduation losses, the Red Devils must replace the scoring and production of CVC Valley Division MVP Reagan Mory.
“I have few holes left from graduating seniors,” Sway said. “Losing scoring threat Reagan Mory hurts, but the positions are confidently filled.”
Forwards Ava Julian and Allie Bartell will help the Red Devils replace Mory’s production.
Julian, a junior, scored nine goals with five assists last fall in earning first-team all-conference honors and Bartell, a senior, scored five goals with seven assists. She was a second-team all-conference performer.
“(Julian is) strong and physical with the ability to score from 25 yards out, eyes for the goal, and relentless,” Sway said. “(Bartell is) quick and technical, plays good balls to feet, can score and assists; very even all-around player.”
Crestwood’s midfield is dangerous with junior Erin Hallis, senior Kami Ferrari, and senior Aspen Baynes distributing the ball.
Hallis scored 15 goals with three assists as a sophomore, leading to first-team all-conference honors. Ferrari earned honorable mention all-conference honors after notching one goal and one assist last season.
“(Hallis is) the engine of the team. She has a non-stop work ethic, can score in any way from about anywhere 25 yards and in, unrattled player, fundamentally sound and plays with purpose,” Sway said. “(Ferrari is a) playmaking midfielder playing all midfield positions. She’s a selfless player who plays for her team and puts her teammates ahead of anything. (Baynes is) a defensive mid that is physical and annoying that can win 50-50 balls and frustrate opponents. She will have a great senior season.”
If an opponent is fortunate enough to break through the Crestwood midfield, they’ll be met by two returning all-conference performers on the defensive line.
Junior Alyssa Hallis was a first-team selection last fall after scoring one goal with one assist and locking down the defensive third. Junior Delaney McMahon was an honorable-mention performer.
“(Hallis is a) tough, relentless center back that improves every game and will defend the goal on any challenge from any player and doesn’t back down,” Sway said. “(McMahon is a) speedy, fast outside back that can and does run down people from behind. She can play physical and can play technical, is an 80-minute player teams will have to figure out how to play around.”
Crestwood is experienced, talented, and battle-tested, but the Red Devils have lofty goals on the docket for the fall season.
To do that, they’ll need to rely on a tried-and-true formula for success.
“We have to play as a team,” Sway said. “The talent is there; the skills are there; but we must play with purpose and be fundamentally and mentally sound.”
