Willow Canyon freshman midfielder Da'Layla Thompson head a ball during a Jan. 13 home game against Scottsdale Notre Dame Prep. Thompson is back for her sophomore season.
(Courtesy Ryan McGinley/Dysart Schools)
The girls soccer season started Dec. 2. The Surprise Independent asked the local coaches for their outlook on the season.
ALA-WEST FOOTHILLS GUARDIANS
3A Metro Region
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WEST VALLEY PREPS
West Valley Preps’ Surprise girls soccer preview
(Courtesy Ryan McGinley/Dysart Schools)
Willow Canyon freshman midfielder Da'Layla Thompson head a ball during a Jan. 13 home game against Scottsdale Notre Dame Prep. Thompson is back for her sophomore season.
Posted
Compiled By Richard Smith
West Valley Preps
The girls soccer season started Dec. 2. The Surprise Independent asked the local coaches for their outlook on the season.
ALA-WEST FOOTHILLS GUARDIANS
3A Metro Region
2024-25 Record: 17-6-1 overall, 4-2 region (3A quarterfinals)
Coach: Tim McKee (first season as ALA-West Foothills coach)
How many years have you coached soccer? This is the start of my 18th year but first at ALA West Foothills.
What is your team’s best attribute entering this season? Cohesion — they’ve been playing together for a few years so they know each other’s strengths and weaknesses
What will your team need to improve for the season to be a success? Communication and ability to play different formations.
Who are your team leaders? Piper Moser (senior), Kayla Casillas (senior), Paisyn Trythall (junior), Whitney Kobel (junior), Dakota Reinhardt (junior), Emmerysn Miller (junior.)
Who are newcomers to the varsity squad who could make an impact? Brystal Ashton and Wylee Swigart, both freshmen.
What are some of the more anticipated games on your schedule? Gilbert Christian, Seton Catholic and Northwest Christian.
PARADISE HONORS PANTHERS
4A Skyline Region
2024-25 Record: 15-3 overall, 5-0 region (4A first round)
Coach: Scott Bergeron (seventh season as Paradise Honors coach)
Top Returnee: F Briley Schwartz, Jr., (20 goals, 10 assists); MF Jenna Moore, Sr., (eight goals, six assists).
How many years have you coached soccer? I have been coaching at Paradise Honors High School for seven years. Before that, I coached boys soccer at Shadow Ridge.
What is your team’s best attribute entering this season? I think our best attribute is the mix of young and veteran talent we have on this team.
What will your team need to improve for the season to be a success? I think we need to work together as a team. Learn each other’s style of play and bringing this all together each day whether it is at or a game.
Who are your team leaders? We have a good mix of leaders this year on the team. Nevi Romero (captain) her physicality and knowledge of the game. Jenna Moore (captain) with her ability to play multiple positions and adapt to any change. Briley Schwartz (captain) with her speed and ability to create plays and score. Tessa Wilke (captain) strong defensive skills and leadership in the field. Kayla Bedoya (captain) her communication and ability to defend and pass out of the defensive third.
Who are newcomers to the varsity squad who could make an impact? We have a few new comers this year adding depth to our team. They each understand the game, provide their own unique skill and are quick with the ball. They are: Ava Joanis - freshman, Ariee Manno - freshman, Greyson Brown - junior, Holly Hasbrouck - sophomore and Alaina Tippins - freshman.
What are some of the more anticipated games on your schedule? Lee Williams is always a tough game for us especially in Kingman. We are also looking forward to playing Cactus Shadows and Arcadia. Each team is always tough and provides the mental and physical toughness we need. We are in a tournament on 12/12 and 12/13 and we are excited to play some 3A-6A teams.
WILLOW CANYON WILDCATS
5A Northwest Region
2024-25 Record: 13-8-1 overall, 3-1 region (5A first round)
Coach: Kendra Melbye (20th season as Willow Canyon coach)
Top Returnees: MF Dalayla Thompson, Soph., (one goal, four assists); F Elli Gerber, Sr., (two goals).
How many years have you coached soccer? I have 22 years in coaching, 20 years at Willow Canyon.
What is your team’s best attribute entering this season? Youth and speed.
What will your team need to improve for the season to be a success? Communication and field vision.
Who are your team leaders? April Coronado, Da’Layla Thompson, Sofia Vasquez and Keely Blady.
Who are newcomers to the varsity squad who could make an impact? Nataly Perales Morquecho, Kylie Kennelly, Kiley Dickey and Ali Martinez.
What are some of the more anticipated games on your schedule? Centennial, Sunrise Mountain, Arizona College Prep.
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