Edgewood’s girls’ soccer team returns just four starters and three other letter-winners from last fall, but second-year coach Kaytee Shimek is optimistic about the 2023 season.
Several younger players already have made an impact in the preseason and Shimek is confident her squad will continue to improve this fall.
“Our team has great potential this season,” she said. “We have lots of younger players who are playing crucial roles on our team. With our formation and team chemistry we will see a lot of possession and chances on goal.”
Edgewood finished 5-9-2 overall and 2-3-1 in the Chagrin Valley Conference in Shimek’s first season as head coach last fall.
The Warriors graduated 12 seniors, including seven starters.
“Those are huge shoes to fill but our girls have stepped up and took on huge responsibilities,” Shimek said. “Those 12 had a huge presence on and off the field for the team. The natural leaders that have returned have done a great job setting the tone and allowing underclassmen to take initiative.”
Edgewood returns just one player who earned all-conference honors last fall in midfielder Montana Estok.
As a sophomore, Estok recorded five goals and one assist on the way to being named second-team All-CVC.
“Montana is one our captains this year,” Shimek said. “She is the most tactical and technical player on our team. She has great soccer knowledge and uses that knowledge to be a key player on the team.”
Joining Estok in the midfield are senior Katie McCollister and junior Olivia Fenton.
McCollister was named the team’s Most Improved Player last fall. She finished the season with four goals and will serve as one of the team’s tri-captains this season.
“She is a player you want others to replicate,” Shimek said. “She is the most determined and focused player I have ever coached. When she is on the field, she is noticed and makes a huge difference.”
Fenton assisted on one goal last fall.
“Olivia is such a solid and trustworthy player,” Shimek said. “She has great field vision and has so much grit as a player. It is hard to outwork her on the pitch.”
Sophomore Avery Hart will serve as a forward for the Warriors.
“Avery is a player that has worked very hard in the offseason and came in ready to go this season,” Shimek said. “She is a never-stop player who will do anything for the team to succeed. Her shots have tremendously improved this year and will be hard to stop.”
Defensively, senior Rachel Kemmerle and sophomores Natalie Ianetta and Natalie Stump will serve as the last line of protection for senior keeper Maddy McDonald.
“Rachel is a captain on the team this year. She is an overall leader, someone every player can look up to, and someone that they can go to for anything. She is a tough player that is willing to give it her all for her teammates,” Shimek said. “Natalie Ianetta is a fearless player. She will do whatever it takes to win a ball and save the day for her team. She is someone that all our players can rely on. Natalie Stump is a very dedicated and driven player. She has great foot skills and isn’t afraid to take the ball up the field. She will do anything for her team to succeed.”
McDonald is in her first year on the varsity squad.
“Maddy is a very talented goalie,” Shimek said. “She is a true student of the game and is always learning and growing. She has great communication with her defense.”
With a large number of underclassmen on the roster, the Warriors will have to jell in a hurry to develop the confidence they’ll need to compete in the newly revamped CVC Lake Division.
Of course, limiting injuries also will play a role in the team’s success.
“We have to stay focused and stay healthy,” Shimek said. “We have to contain our composure on the ball and keep possession. We plan to keep the ball often. We are going to lean on each other and work together.”
Shimek also is eager to see how her players develop as leaders.
“We are excited to see everyone who takes leadership roles and what their presence does for our team,” she said. “We are excited to see who takes on their role and excels on the field.”
