STAC GIRLS SOCCER: WAVERLY'S HOGAN LIKES TEAM'S VERSATILITY, BUT YOUTH AND BUMP UP TO CLASS A MAKE FOR TOUGHER ROAD TO SECTIONAL REPEAT (2025-08-28)

By TIM BIRNEY
Valley Sports Report
WAVERLY — Waverly girls soccer coach Tara Hogan sees a lot of versatility in her returning players, but graduating four starters from the program's first-ever Section IV champ, and a bump up to Class A for the Wolverines will make the road to a second title that much more difficult.

"We have versatile players who can be put in multiple positions," said Hogan. "We are confident that they will play their role.

"With five freshman and losing four starters, we are young. 

"Also, with the move to a class A, our Sectional points will be taking a hit as we play a lot of Class B schools," added Hogan.

Senior Claire Clonch is slated to start at keeper, with sophomore Addison Temple and freshman Taylin Gonzalez her back-ups.

"Claire is looking strong in goal, but is struggling with a nagging knee issue," said Hogan. "We're hoping she can stay healthy. 

"Addison Temple saw a good amount of time in goal last year, but we're hoping to see her out on the field a bit more," noted Hogan. "If she does see time in goal, we hope to see her show some confidence and grit.

"Taylin shows potential and seems to enjoy the position," added Hogan. "She has good coordination."

Senior Haley Larrabee, junior Makenzie Olmsted, and sophomores Maci Wheeler and Kendall Rockwell will start in the defensive backfield.

"With her speed, we really could use Haley (Larrabee) on offense, however, she had more than proven herself as a very reliable defender last year.

"Makenzie Olmsted is another player who ideally would be moved up the field as she contributes and creates opportunities that we need to be a more formidable offensive team," said Hogan. "However, we have not found another player that can do what Makenzie does for us on defense.

"Maci Wheeler has gotten to be quick on her feet and isn't afraid of contact. She doesn't back down or shy away," added Hogan. "And, Kendall Rockwell has become more confident and is a great communicator. She also knows her position very well and does well to cover for her teammates."

Junior Hannah Carpenter could also see time on defense.

Senior Madison Cron, junior Ryleigh Judson, and sophomore Gianna Soprano are likely to start in the midfield.

"Madison Cron, an outside midfielder who became a consistent starter last season, works very hard and is a positive presence on the field," said Hogan. 

"Ryleigh Judson Will see time as a forward as well, but she has shown that she tends to see the field better from the midfield position," noted Hogan. "She also communicates well and always hustles to support the defense. 

"Gianna Soprano will most likely start as a midfielder, but is such a great presence as a forward," added Hogan. "She moves so well and works quickly."

Sophomore Melanie Skovira could also see time in the midfield.

Sophomores Lily Boothby-Schoonover and Kaylin Twedt, and senior Kaitlyn Sutton will likely start at the forward spots.

"Lily Boothby-Schoonover is a potential starting forward, but could also see time as a defender," said Hogan. "She has a strong foot and isn't afraid to shoot from a distance.

"Kaylin Twedt has speed that is second to none — literally," noted Hogan. "She has done well with understanding her position and making runs with speed that no one else has — not many defenders can say they can keep up with her, so we need to utilize her.

"Kait Sutton will also see time as a midfielder, but for right now, ideally, she's best as a forward because she has the passion for it," added Hogan. "She's reliable."

Sophomore Emilia Mitchell could also see time at forward.

Hogan said there are several veterans to keep an eye on.

"Makenzie Olmsted is so fun to watch — her grit and determination makes her amazing," said Hogan.

"Kaylin Twedt and her speed is incredible ...  Kait Sutton taking more shots ... Ryleigh Judson sticking mostly as a midfielder, and Haley Larrabee has great speed and has gotten so confident," added Hogan.

The Wolverines have a handful of newcomers in Gonzalez (keeper), Anna Fassett (defense), Lily Cook (forward or defense), Raygane Oakes (forward or midfield), and Kendall Talada (forward or defense).

Hogan said Oakes and Gonzalez are newcomers to keep an eye on.

"Oakes seems to understand her position well, and gets involved in plays," said Hogan.

"Gonzalez has a positive attitude, and enjoys her position," she added.

Hogan has an early-season concern, and a long-term one for 2025.

"Currently, we are not quite where I'd like us to be physically. 

"And, I hope for our returning players to step up and be more of a presence on the field," she said.

Waverly opens the 2025 season Thursday afternoon when it hosts Norwich.

——————————

IN PHOTO: Waverly's Makenzie Olmsted. ... VSR STOCK PHOTO.

Print Friendly Version