Key West knew it would be a year to rebuild, and the team’s hard work built skills, confidence and camaraderie. The Lady Conchs finished the season 6-9, with one of the wins coming in the postseason. The team returns multiple key players and, despite some heavy losses in their outgoing seniors, should be solid in the coming seasons.
Coral Shores finished 2-10, but the team made the wins count. Both came against district opponents, with one in the postseason. The Hurricanes also return multiple starters, making for an exciting 2026 season.
Photos by Maicey Malgrat and Doug Finger
MVP
Courtney Grabus
Senior, Key West
Goalkeeper
Senior Courtney Grabus was a team captain, a scholar-athlete and standout on the field for the Conchs. Described as the team’s anchor, Grabus had 93 saves, nine ground balls and nine interceptions this season, and despite being the team’s last line of defense, she added an assist to her stats. Grabus’ play style set her apart, coach Marisa Giacopuzzi said. “She is aggressive, fearless and unpredictable, which gives us an advantage when she flies out of the crease for a huge interception. The other teams never saw it coming!” Grabus was a spirited team leader and the starting keeper for the Conchs for the entirety of her high school career. “She’s been our star for four years,” said Giacopuzzi, “and is leaving us with big shoes to fill.”
Kaitlyn Piloto
Senior, Key West
Midfielder
Senior captain Kaitlyn Piloto will be missed next season for her phenomenal play as well as her motivational contributions to the team. Giacopuzzi called Piloto the team motivator, saying she is “the one who is always giving pep talks at timeouts, quarterly breaks and halftime. Her passion and love for the game is contagious.” Piloto amassed 45 goals and three assists this season. The midfielder proved to be dynamic, adding 48 draw controls, 29 ground balls and 10 caused turnovers to her stats to cap off a fantastic senior season.
Deanna Mercier
Senior, Key West
Midfielder
A painful knee injury may have left Deanna Mercier in need of crutches this season, but it did not stop her from contributing to her team. “Deanna fought till the end; she was literally on crutches hobbling off the field for the last time after losing to Westminster Christian in the semis,” said Giacopuzzi. Credited for her passion and inspiration to others, the captain was a role model and mentor. The senior collected 34 goals, 14 assists, 32 draw controls, 27 ground balls and 11 caused turnovers for the Conchs.
Colbie Turner
Junior, Key West
Midfielder
With 27 goals, an assist, 43 draw controls, 22 ground balls and 18 caused turnovers to her credit this season, it is not surprising Colbie Turner was praised for her hustle and heart. “Colbie took a beating, nearly every game, because she played that aggressively with her whole heart. She gave her all, 100% of the time,” said Giacopuzzi.
Eisley Whitehead
Junior, Key West
Attacker
With impeccable vision for the game, junior Eisley Whitehead knew when to take a shot and when to set up a teammate. The junior low attacker tallied 54 ground balls, eight goals and nine assists. Giacopuzzi credited Whitehead as having great composure regardless of the situation, and added, “Her hustle across the field, whether on offensive transitions or redefending the ball after a turnover, is worthy of praise.”
Chloe Cummings
Sophomore, Coral Shores
Defender
Hurricane sophomore Chloe Cummings held down the defense this season, combining her skills on the field with incredible energy. Cummings’ stats included 21 ground balls, 10 caused turnovers and a goal. “Chloe always gives 110% out on the field. She plays every possession like we are tied in the game,” said coach Alex PIke.
Adelynn McNew
Junior, Coral Shores
Midfielder
Adelynn McNew was a wealth of resources for the ’Canes this season. Named team captain, the midfielder’s leadership combined with athleticism to make her a force on the field. McNew collected 43 ground balls, scored 28 goals and caused 10 turnovers this season, and being a lefty was an added benefit. “Addy was an incredible asset as a left-handed player and critical in transitions,” said Pike.
Ivy Tiedemann
Junior, Coral Shores
Midfielder
Tiedemann won 61 draw controls for the ’Canes this season, giving her team an advantage with each one. She also picked up 32 ground balls, caused eight turnovers and scored eight goals. “Ivy has a true talent taking the draw to begin each possession,” said Pike.
Shay Stober
Junior, Coral Shores
Attacker/Midfielder
Shay Stober brought vision to the Hurricanes this season to score 22 goals and assist on six more. “Shay has an eye for knowing what is going to work on the offensive side of the field,” said Pike. “She is great at seeing when a teammate has an opportunity to score or when she can drive to goal herself.” Stober also added six caused turnovers and 27 ground balls to her stats her junior season.
Allegra Fucaraccio
Junior, Coral Shores
Midfield/Defense
Junior Allegra Fucaraccio scored three goals, caused nine turnovers and picked up 25 ground balls for the Hurricanes this season, making her a versatile player with lots of offensive and defensive weapons. However, it was the team captain’s intangibles that set her apart most. “Allegra is an incredible all-around player, but her true talent is bringing the energy to every practice and game,” said Pike.
