Valley Sports ReportATHENS — Athens girls soccer coach Rich Pitts is hoping what appears to be a growing team bond will bring together his experienced veterans and young freshman together for a successful 2026 season.
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LAST YEAR: 9-10; lost to Shikellamy in Class 3A semifinals.
... OPENER: Play at Northeast Bradford Wednesday.
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"I think early we have seen a unity that has bonded the younger with the older," said Pitts. "Our leadership group has been rock solid so far and my hope is we just continue to grow as a team."
Returning starters for the Wildcats are seniors Delanie Patton and McKenna Jarvis will man midfield spots, while senior Brinley Nichols will "be a Swiss Army knife for us playing multiple positions this year as we need her," said Pitts.
Junior Annika Lezak will return in goal.
Other returners for the Wildcats are seniors Megan Galvin, Kait Leonard, and Mya Smith, and sophomore Peighton Henry, who will play in the back line for the Wildcats.
Juniors Hailey Brinkley and Allie Kemp will play in the midfield and junior Abby Ahern steps in to play the defensive-mid spot.
Sophomores Lexi Mayo Hailey Keyser, and Billie Wennie will play defensive-mid and forward throughout the year.
Pitts is very high on a large class of freshman — nine in all.
"The freshman class is loaded with talent with a possibility of every one of them playing varsity minutes this season when needed," he said. "We have been really excited by how they have shown up fit and sound as players.
"I can’t give you one who I think stands out because each day in training they are constantly upping each other," added Pitts.
"The talent and work and desire and attitude is everything I could ask for and more," Pitts added.
Freshmen Jojo Bean, Everleigh Waring, and Ariana Nelson will likely see time at forward, while Ashlynn Trivelpiece and Hensley Bailey will see time in the midfield, and Kaylee Kmetz, Kloeyona Hatch, Caroline Moore, and Izabella Amato.
What are Pitts' concerns heading into 2026.
"I have none," he said. "What I have learned finally in year 11 is we just need to do our best as a coaching staff and let them enjoy the game.
"In our scrimmage, I was worried that Delanie and Brin would take my job," said Pitts with a smile. "They got the girls together at half, pulled out the cones and worked on strategies for the second half.
"It was impressive to see them take charge and the girls were locked in second half," added Pitts. "When a team is player led usually things go well for you."
Pitts says his expectations for 2026 are the same as always.
"It’s the same every year and will never change," said Pitts. "You play to win championships. No matter which one it is we will strive to win it."
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IN PHOTO: Athens senior Brinley Nichols. ... VSR STOCK PHOTO.
