NTL GIRLS SOCCER: ATHLETICISM, TEAM CHEMISTRY HAS ATHENS' PITTS OPTIMISTIC HEADING INTO 2025 (2025-08-25)

By TIM BIRNEY
Valley Sports Report
ATHENS — Athleticism and team chemistry has longtime Athens girls soccer coach Rich Pitts optimistic heading into the 2025 season.

"We are very athletic," he said. "I think we have just some pure athletes who love the game and work very hard to learn the game technically and tactically. 

"I also think the bond this group has is super helpful to what we want to do," noted Pitts. "They genuinely like each other so they always have each others backs on and off the pitch. It’s much like last year, which is exciting."

Sophomore Annika Lezak will start at goal keeper this season, with seniors Savannah Finan, Danica May and Penelope Grubb, and junior McKenna Jarvis starting in the defensive backfield.

Seniors Mary Elliot and Aubri Husted, and junior Kaitlin Leonard will back up on defense.

Seniors Elizabeth Denlinger and Lizzie Gorsline, and juniors Brinley Nichols and Delanie Patton will start in the midfield, with juniors Brielle Mayo and Megan Galvin, sophomore Abby Ahern and junior Anya Horton coming off the bench. 

Seniors Abby Burgess and Olivia Thompson will start up top with freshman Lexi Mayo, and sophomore Hailey Brinkley coming off the bench for them. Brielle Mayo can also play up top for us.

Pitts said the Wildcats have a foursome of veterans — Nichols, Patton, Gorsline, and Jarvis — to keep an eye on.

"Brinley Nichols is a four-tool player — passing, shooting, defending and knowledge of the game," said Pitts. "Everything she brings to the team, being a high-level club kid, is big for us. 

"Delanie Patton is a crafty, creative midfielder who creates huge problems for other teams in match-ups," noted. "She continues to get better and better each year, I'm so excited to see what this one brings.

"Lizzie Gorsline is a high-motor, emotional player who plays full out at all times and is tireless in her work," said Pitts. "She has been a huge player for us, and I expect nothing less this season.

"McKenna Jarvis is such a natural athlete, good at everything she does," he continued. "We move her into center-back and she reminds me so much of Mya (Thompson) it's crazy. I think McKenna stamps her name permanently on this group. 

"I think all of our starters are top quality on this year's team," added Pitts. "And, having Brielle (Mayo) come off the bench is like having 12 starters as she will start games for us this season."

Pitts said he also has four freshman — Lexi Mayo, Stella Unger, Billy Wennie, and Peighton Henry — that people should keep an eye on.

"All four freshman are players," said Pitts. "They have stepped into training and games and don’t back down. They have taken some tough tackles from girls and get up and go right back at them.

"I think this group, although small, will be a huge part of our success this year and the next four years," added Pitts. 

Pitts said he doesn't have any concerns about this team at this point.

"I don’t generally have any concerns at this time," he said. "I think we have prepared and will continue that progress and enjoy the season we have."

Pitts hasn't put any goals out to his girls this season.

"We want to be as successful as we possibly can," he said. "I am not setting bars cause that is all cliche. 

"We want to work the process we have laid out and outcomes take care of themselves if we do," Pitts added.

The Wildcats will square off with Bloomsburg, Delaware Valley, Williamsport, Liverpool (NY), Chenango Valley, and Tioga in non-league games this season.

"I think we have a great schedule that will challenge us every night," said Pitts. "I’m excited to watch an amazing group of young ladies take on all comers and see what happens.

"As I head into my 10th season, I’m learning to enjoy my time with each team so I don’t regret anything in the future," he added.

AROUND THE NTL / DISTRICT 4
"Troy is the best team in the league," said Pitts. "They will be tough to beat, and I’m not sure we have the horses to hang with them.

"I honestly don’t think any NTL team will be an easy road for us," he noted. "The league has really gained great coaches and talent and we expect to be tested hard every night.

"District 4, Class AAA is going to be a buzz saw again and we are going to have to be really be sharp when / if we make the playoffs to have success," added Pitts.

Athens opens the 2025 season Tuesday at home against Wyalusing.

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IN PHOTO: Athens junior Delanie Patton. ... VSR STOCK PHOTO.

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