Valley Sports ReportWAVERLY — Waverly returns starters aplenty from last year's Section IV, Class A finalist, and coach Tara Hogan is relying on here "veteran leadership" in 2026.
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LAST YEAR: 7-8-1 .... Lost 2-1 to Maine-Endwell in Section IV, Class A championship game. OPENER: Home versus Owego, Tuesday at 11 a.m..
While most of Waverly's other teams, including boys soccer, drops back a classification, the Lady Wolverines will remain in Class A.
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"I see strong veteran leadership and versatility as the main strengths of this year's team," said Hogan.
"The veterans we have are flexible and reliable," she added.
Seniors Mackenzie Olmsted and Hannah Carpenter will see time on defense and in the midfield, while senior Ryleigh Judson will likely see most of her time at forward or in the midfield, but could see time on defense.
Junior Kaylin Twedt will likely play at forward, but "may be move back to either midfield or defense as needed."
Junior Maci Wheeler will play defense, while junior Gianna Soprano will play center-mid or forward, and junior Lily Schoonover will man a forward spot.
Sophomore Taylin Gonzalez will see most of the time at goal keeper.
Also back and vying for time this season for the Wolverines are sophomores Anna Fassett at midfield or defense, and Lily Cooke at forward, and sophomores Emilia Mitchell and Kendall Talada at midfield or forward, and Melanie Skovira at midfield or defense.
Hogan has her eye on two returners to step up this year.
"Hannah Carpenter got good playing time last year when Haley Larrabee was injured, and she really proved herself as both a midfielder and defender when needed," said Hogan.
"Taylin Gonzalez also saw decent time last year a goalkeeper, and played well when she stepped in for Claire Clonch," added Hogan.
Junior Addison Temple will see time in the midfield or at goal keeper.
Hogan also has a host of newcomers who could make an impact.
"The newcomers seem receptive to guidance given by the veterans on this team," said Hogan.
Freshmen Sophia Dorsey and Reaghan Rounds could see time on defense or in the midfield, while sophomore Kezlynn DeKay, and freshmen Andraya Hoey, Skyler Rose, and Natalia Gordon could see time at forward or in the midfield, Freshman Gabby Palanza will play forward, and freshman Carson LaFrance will see time at forward or at goalkeeper.
Hogan said Dorsey is a newcomer to keep an eye on.
"Sophia Dorsey has really stood out this summer and preseason," she said. "She is confident under pressure and is receptive to feedback."
Hogan's biggest concern is getting her young team ready for the varsity level.
"As of right now, physically we are not where I'd like to be after the first week of preseason," said Hogan.
"There's a decent gap between players who are physically ready for the season, but that's every preseason, and those who are not.
"Right now, we have a lot of newcomers just getting their feet wet," added Hogan. "I see a lot of nerves from those players, so I'm hoping they shake some of that off during our scrimmage day."
Hogan is looking for everything comes together in 2026.
"I am hoping to see our players grow as individual athletes and as teammates.
"We have a very young team and a wide range of talent," said Hogan. "I'm hoping to see the team work well together as a unit.
"We want to see players acclimate to new challenges and build each other up," she added. "We hope to make it to sectional finals again this year for Class A."
AROUND THE STAC CENTRAL DIVISION
"Chenango Valley is always great competition as well as Owego," said Hogan. "We have never played Johnson City, so we're curious to see what they're like."
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IN PHOTO: Waverly's Mackenzie Olmsted. ... VSR STOCK PHOTO.
