Coral Shores finished with a winning 10-5 record, with six of those wins being shutouts. The Lady ’Canes outscored their opponents 42-20, and their successful season included a playoff win in the quarterfinals, two wins over Marathon and one against Key West for some in-county bragging rights.
Key West finished with an 8-11 record, picking up steam after a slow start. The Lady Conchs lost to Coral Shores early in the season, then blanked them in a 1-0 win a month later and defeated Marathon in a pair of shutouts. The Dolphins finished the season 4-11-1, and look to improve their wins next season when they return all but one athlete on their roster.
MVP
Kaitlyn Franco
Senior, Key West
A three-year varsity player, Kaitlyn Franco’s leadership has been as much of an asset to the Lady Conchs’ success as her athleticism. Franco led with her actions, and mid-season she made the unusual transition from one of the Conchs’ top-scoring offensive threats to the final line of defense. Franco’s willingness to play where her team needed her most was evident when she moved from midfielder to goalkeeper, proving to be a dynamic and talented all-around athlete with a selfless nature that stood out in a positive manner. Prior to her stint as goalie, she netted five goals and five assists as a field player, and her fantastic foot skills transferred seamlessly to her play in goal, making her an asset whose cleats will be difficult to fill next season.
Jordan MacDonald
Senior, Marathon
Marathon’s Jordan MacDonald scored a dozen goals and assisted on six more this season. The senior center midfielder was a four-year starter and two-year captain for the Fins. MacDonald is praised for being an excellent ball distributor and finding the net or an open teammate regardless of pressure.
Addison Collins
Junior, Marathon
Dolphins defender Addison Collins has been a member of the starting lineup for Marathon since middle school. Collins played stopper and sweeper this season, and her strength and accuracy were evident in her scoring a pair of goals and assists as well as taking a majority of the team’s corner kicks. Collins was also praised for her leadership and level-headedness on the field.
Maeve Merryman
Sophomore, Marathon
The Lady Fins’ right wing netted one goal and two assists this season, but it was her leadership and work ethic that set her apart. Merryman never shied away from a workout or drill, no matter how intense, and exhibited patience and kindness toward her teammates, providing stability when needed.
Madison Kilduff
Junior, Key West
Maddie Kilduff’s years of hard work and practice have made her a mainstay of the Conchs’ midfield. The junior has already signed a letter of intent to play at Frostburg University. This season, she combined her excellence in passing with a solid shot to score 13 goals and assist seven more to lead the team in both. Kilduff plays with patience and a deep understanding of the game.
Gisselle ‘Jazzy’ Dieguez
Senior, Key West
Praised for her ability to see the open pass and complete it accurately, Key West’s Jazzy Dieguez has been a staple on Key West’s roster for years. This season, the senior netted seven goals while also serving as an active defender when necessary. Her play in the midfield was excellent, and her experience kept her on whichever side of the field the Conchs needed her most.
Maicee Gage
Sophomore, Key West
In her sophomore campaign, Key West’s Maicee Gage netted 12 goals and one assist – and yet, head coach Scott Paul believes her best play is yet to come. Gage is effective in the midfield and as a striker, with a strong, accurate shot that will serve her well in the seasons to come.
Molly McKnight
Junior, Key West
McKnight started at sweeper but moved into a new defensive role when the Conchs needed to change their lineup. She was a standout in that role, too, using her athleticism to outmaneuver other athletes physically. Her intelligence and understanding of the game also proved to be assets to the Conchs.
Sofia Jans
Senior, Coral Shores
Sofia Jans had an outstanding senior season with the Hurricanes, scoring a dozen goals and assisting on four more. Jans scored a hat trick in her final game with the Hurricanes and as a team captain, her leadership on the field proved to be as important as her athletic accomplishments.
Mya Champigny
Junior, Coral Shores
Junior defender Mya Champigny was a mainstay for the Hurricanes this year. Champigny played every minute of the season, helping to lead the defense and netting one goal as well. Her leadership will be crucial next season as she most certainly will have a stellar senior campaign.
Noelle Engelmeyer
Junior, Coral Shores
Coral Shores junior Noelle Engelmeyer was a staple of the team’s defensive wall which achieved six shutouts this season. Engelmeyer’s leadership was also noted as one of her greatest attributes.
Ali Beth Wilson
Senior, Coral Shores
Coral Shores senior Ali Beth Wilson served as a team captain this season, providing leadership and guidance for the underclassmen. Wilson’s footwork and passing skills were key in feeding the ball to teammates, and she scored one goal and assisted on another in her final season with the Hurricanes.
Photos by Maicey Malgrat, Barry Gaukel and Jim McCarthy
