Wylie senior Arianna Johnson, right, attempts to kick the ball away from an Austin Vandergrift player last Friday. Photo by Oladipo Awowale / C&S Media
By David Wolman
As the Wylie and Wylie East girls soccer teams begin another season on the pitch, the Lady Pirates and Lady Raiders are hoping to build on recent postseason success.
C&S Media will preview each team, including outlooks, key returners and newcomers expected to make a significant impact.
Wylie
Head coach: Shelby Ternus
Last season: 19-2 (District 9-6A champion, lost to Duncanville, area round)
As the Lady Pirates look to build on a district championship and an area-round playoff appearance, they will be guided by a familiar face. Shelby Ternus, a varsity assistant last season, was promoted to head coach May 21, taking over for Chris Bezner.
With 14 seniors, Wylie brings back an experienced roster and hopes that maturity leads to a deeper postseason run.
Senior forward Maci Hatzenbuehler, the District 9-6A Most Valuable Player last season, leads a deep and talented attacking group. Hatzenbuehler finished her junior year with 12 goals and 12 assists. Juniors Ella Knauss, Kennedy Butler and Ronelyse Hartfield are also expected to start up front, while junior Marinn Cameron is projected to log significant minutes.
Seniors Taylor Kelly and Marlene Reyna return to anchor the midfield.
Defense is expected to be a strength once again. Senior goalkeeper Melissa Gonzalez, a second-team all-state selection last season, leads a Lady Pirates defense that allowed just six goals all year. Junior center back Jessie Johnson steps into a leadership role following the graduation of Imani Yarbough. Senior halfback Demi Arakelian and senior Arianna Johnson also return on the back line.
Wylie East
Head coach: Kody Christensen
Last season: 19-3-1 (lost to Forney, Region II-6A Division II final)
The Lady Raiders have reached the regional final in each of the past three seasons and are aiming to make it four straight appearances.
Wylie East faces significant turnover after graduating 14 seniors, but Christensen believes his program has the talent ready to step into larger roles.
A total of 73 goals were lost to graduation with the departures of Arianna Darquea, Averi Reisinger, Brooke Shields, Gabrielle Ponce and Ryleigh Wood. However, senior Nikki Coleman, junior Michela Adams and freshman Kendall Weston have each scored twice early this season.
Junior midfielder Sophie Preston, who posted 12 goals and 12 assists as a sophomore, provides another offensive option. Preston and junior Laila Young, along with others, are expected to serve as two-way contributors in the midfield.
The Lady Raiders will lean on defensive experience, led by seniors Trystan Wischnewsky, Isabelle Alarcon-Vo and Madison Akers.
Graduation also claimed goalkeeper Maddie Jones, a first-team all-state honoree last season. Christensen is confident in senior Addyson Lomax and junior Hailey Fincher, both of whom have been part of the Wylie East program since their freshman seasons.
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