Wickliffe’s girls’ soccer program is trending up with nine returning starters from a squad that finished 13-5-1 overall and 5-1-1 in league play last fall.
The Blue Devils hope to build off the postseason success that saw them beat rival Kirtland for the first time in the playoffs before settling for a district runner-up trophy.
“Heading into this season, we are encouraged by the direction the team is heading in throughout the preseason,” said 15th-year head coach Steve Gribovicz. “We understand that this is a new season and that the roster is not the same, however, we want to build off of the momentum from the end of last season and add components that will help us grow stronger.”
While the Blue Devils return most of their starters, they do have nine incoming players who need to quickly adapt to the speed of the game and fit into their roles this fall.
“On paper, we have a dynamic team with over half of the players already coming in knowing the system and the new players eager to make their mark on the program,” Gribovicz said. “The ability to create team chemistry and jell will be a contributing factor to the success of the team this season. Our two seniors have done a phenomenal job this preseason setting the tone as leaders to accelerate the process. Our returning players have been excellent role models for our new players that have come in with an open mind ready to contribute when called upon. We are gaining nine new players this season to add to our 11 returning players, which adds depth to our roster from last season. We feel the added depth and competition for positions will help to address some of the vacancies left by our graduating players.”
Wickliffe returns four All-Chagrin Valley Conference performers in Ava Gabriel, Eliza Wills, Annabella Stoehr, and Cade Virgilio.
Gabriel, a junior forward, was named first-team All-CVC and second-team All-Greater Cleveland after scoring 12 goals with three assists.
“Ava is a foundational player up front for us,” Gribovicz said. “The mix of finesse and power that she displays as a player makes her difficult to guard. She is adding new wrinkles to her game that makes me believe she will open more eyes this coming season.”
Wills, a senior midfielder, notched 14 goals with 11 assists last fall on her way to being named second-team All-Ohio and first-team All-CVC and All-Greater Cleveland.
“Eliza is as determined as anyone to continue to grow as a player,” Gribovicz said. “Each year, she comes into the preseason with new skills and abilities that she has fine-tuned for the new season. Eliza’s experience and preparation will serve her and her teammates well this season.”
Stoehr, a senior defender, scored five goals with two assists last fall. She was named first-team All-CVC and first-team All-Greater Cleveland.
“Annabella is the anchor of our defense,” Gribovicz said. “She has the intangibles that make her a chess piece in our backline. Annabella shows tremendous poise and creativity down the line as a defender.”
Virgilio, a junior, returns to mind the net for the Blue Devils after recording 110 saves, eight shutouts and a 0.84 goals-against average. Virgilio earned second-team All-CVC and All-Greater Cleveland honors.
“Cade’s responsibilities continue to grow as a keeper in our system,” Gribovicz said. “The athletic ability and knowledge of the game that Cade displays allows for more options throughout our system.”
