The Lady Conchs came out of the gates this season knowing it would be difficult to match the magical season they enjoyed one year ago. The reigning district champions had lost a slew of senior talent and were well aware that 2024 would serve as a rebuild season. But Key West used a healthy combination of desire, determination and love of the game to bring home six wins, including one in the playoffs. The Lady Conchs beat neighboring Coral Shores twice this year, once in the regular season and once in the FHSAA 1A District 16 quarterfinals, to finish 6-10. The Conchs return 14 underclassmen who know what it will take to reclaim their district title.
Coral Shores endured its own rebuild in 2024. The ’Canes managed to fill the gaps and pull out a pair of wins in their 2-8 season, with half of those losses ending in scores close enough to feel confident heading into next season. The Lady ’Canes return seven game-seasoned underclassmen to their roster next season.
Photos by Mark Hedden and Doug Finger
Player of the Year
Maeve O’Hearn
Senior, Key West
Defender
Described by Lady Conchs head coach Marisa Giacopuzzi as “a force,” senior defender Maeve O’Hearn earned First Team All-District honors by scooping up 40 ground balls, winning 5 draw controls, causing 23 turnovers and then netting 9 goals to show she can attack as well as defend. “She anticipated well, consistently shut down attackers from rolling the crease, stopped the ball on fast breaks, always got a piece of the shot and was our interception queen,” said Giacopuzzi of her senior captain. “She held us together and was instrumental in making game time change-ups to keep us operating as an effective defense.”
Courtney Grabus
Junior, Key West
Goalkeeper
With an incredible 86% save rate, Key West goalie Courtney Grabus racked up 139 saves this season.The First Team All-District and Second Team All-Region selectee also tallied 25 ground balls and 11 caused turnovers for the Conchs and will return in goal for one more season to try to reclaim the district title in her senior campaign.
Kaitlyn Piloto
Junior, Key West
Midfielder
Midfielder Kaitlyn Piloto led the Conchs in total offensive points, totaling 23 goals and 3 assists this season. Praised for her stick skills and ability to read the field, the talented junior was credited with 31 ground balls, 11 caused turnovers and 25 draw controls, making her equally effective on offense and defense.
Deanna Mercier
Junior, Key West
Midfielder
Praised for her patiently-timed shots and valuable teamwork, midfielder Deanna Mercier was key offensively and defensively for the Conchs this season. The junior led her team in caused turnovers with 26. Mercier was also credited with 28 draw controls, 28 ground balls, 23 goals and an assist.
Colbie Turner
Sophomore, Key West
Defender
Colbie Turner led the Conchs with 29 draw controls, proving to be a relentless defender willing to fight for every possession. Praised for playing with heart and putting everything she had into every play of the season, Turner managed to net 18 goals, pick up 26 ground balls and cause 15 turnovers in her sophomore season.
Leyla Ochoa
Senior, Coral Shores
Attacker
Hurricane attacker Leyla Ochoa’s keen understanding of the game and ability to read the opposing team’s defense made her an asset to Coral Shores. The two-time team captain was a natural leader for her team’s offense, and with 17 goals and 23 assists this season, she proved to be both accurate and selfless at the net.
Vicky Pena
Senior, Coral Shores
Defender
A three-year starter for Coral Shores, Vicky Pena helped anchor the ’Canes’ defense. Pena caused 9 turnovers and picked up 23 ground balls during her senior campaign..
Makayla Hann
Senior, Coral Shores
Defender
Senior captain Makayla Hann led the ’Canes in caused turnovers, stealing the ball 20 times this season. Hann was credited with 45 ground balls to further disrupt opponents’ offenses all season long.
Iona Holmquist
Senior, Coral Shores
Midfielder
Coral Shores midfielder Iona Holmquist served her team in the role of captain, leading them on and off the field. Holmquist scored 13 goals and 6 assists this season. The senior scooped up 48 ground balls, caused a dozen turnovers and won 53% of draw control situations, making her clutch in transition situations for the ’Canes.
Shay Stober
Sophomore, Coral Shores
Attacker
Coral Shores’ top scorer this season will return for two more, and she just keeps getting better. Shay Stober scored 22 goals plus a pair of assists this season, and an offseason practice routine is already honing her shot for next year. Praised for her solid work ethic and being a supportive teammate, Stober has a bright future with the Lady ’Canes.
