CLEVELAND, Ohio – The quest for a championship is full of winding paths and an abundance of dead ends. For the select few, the three-month stretch molds contenders into the distinguished elite. Northeast Ohio’s brightest talents in girls soccer are once again poised to guide their programs to unforgettable heights.
With three returning All-Americans and nine all-state honorees, this year marks one of Northeast Ohio’s most loaded fields in recent years. Here is the 2023 cleveland.com preseason all-area team (in alphabetical order).
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Brooke Allen, Brunswick, Sr.
Allen, a Wisconsin commit, was sensational for the Blue Devils in her junior campaign, tallying 21 goals and 47 points on her way to second team all-state and first team All-Greater Cleveland Conference. She scored 43.7% of Brunswick’s goals last season and will look to translate her stellar play into a winning season.
Ella Grode, Avon Lake, Sr.
Grode, an Eastern Kentucky commit, continues to raise her own bar, earning first team all-state in her junior campaign after hauling in second team honors as a sophomore. It was a year of accolades as she was named to the United Soccer Coaches (USC) All-Central Region team and set the single-season school scoring record with 37 goals, as well as the career scoring record with 75 goals. The dazzling forward had three games with five or more goals and was responsible for 41.1% of the Shoregals’ strikes.
Morgan Janicek, Firelands, Sr.
Janicek did a little bit of everything for the Falcons last season, tallying 32 goals and 22 assists as Firelands rolled out a 15-3 record and a perfect 10-0 performance in the Lorain County League. An even more impressive senior year could be on the horizon.
Tessa Knapp, Bay, Jr.
Knapp’s brilliance was on display once again as she tallied 50 goals and 11 assists to become one of 16 Ohioans to earn All-American honors among a host of other individual accolades. She is also a staple on the U-16 national roster. As a sophomore, Knapp broke Bay’s single-season goal record (45) — from 30 years ago — in the district semifinal back on Oct. 24 against Beaumont. That 50th goal tied her for 13th all time in OHSAA history for single-season goals. For her career, Knapp has 90 goals, 21 assists and continues to rewrite the history books in Bay Village.
Katie Norris, Manchester, Sr.
The midfielder guided the Panthers to their deepest run in school history, clinching a berth in the state semifinals last season. She delivered 50 goals and 24 assists, earning her All-American honors and first team all-state. The bar is moved a bit further as Manchester returns all but one its starters, and Norris will look to lead the Panthers to their first state final berth. Over the offseason, she helped her club team, the Canton Akron United Force, claim the U-19 Girls Super Group championship. Norris, who is committed to Walsh University, is a strong candidate to end her high school career as a two-time All-American.
Hannah Pachan, Walsh Jesuit, Jr.
Pachan’s dynamic play in the regional semifinals helped lift the Warriors to a regional final showdown with Strongsville. The midfielder earned All-American honors and first team all-state after notching 22 goals and nine assists. Pachan also plays for the Cleveland Force SC and has been lauded as a budding star on the rise in the national scene.
Reagan Pentz, Walsh Jesuit, Jr.
With some valuable experience in tow, Pentz is back after an ACL tear and is ready to lead the Warriors back to Columbus. The midfielder tallied 27 points last year, including nine goals and nine assists as she captured Division I second team all-state honors. She is also a member of the Cleveland Force SC.
Bella Sanders, Western Reserve Academy, Sr.
As the co-MVP of the program her junior year (five goals, seven assists), the defensive midfielder will once again be a backbone as the Pioneers continue to toughen up the schedule and sharpen their skill. Her versatile play on the back line will be crucial for a retuning core looking to leave its mark in head coach Tara Bowen’s third year at the helm.
Sophia Sindelar, Rocky River, Jr.
Sindelar sizzled for the Pirates, tallying 31 goals and seven assists enroute to Division I first team all-state recognition. She was also named Great Lakes Conference Player of the Year. Under the wing of a successful senior class, the junior has blossomed into an All-American contender as the Pirates head back into Division II.
Ariana Vakos, Avon, Sr.
The Olympic development program pool athlete was the heart and soul of an Avon defense that allowed just 14 goals. She grabbed 69 saves and also notched 10 shutouts on her way to second-team all-state honors. She remains a rare triple threat with her goalkeeping and fielding abilities on both sides of the ball. Vakos will head to the University of Akron after her final season with the Eagles.
Kate Young, Copley, Jr.
Young was a compliment to the sensational play of Emma Stransky in last year’s state championship season, finishing with 21 goals and 15 assists. From regionals to the state final, Young chipped in two goals, four assists and eight points. With Stransky off to Bowling Green, Young will take center stage in what could be a seismic showing in 2023.
Honorable Mention
Kami Ayoup, Copley
Marissa Betts, Brush
Riley Evans, Cloverleaf
Elizabeth Fetterman, Bay
Reece Frank, Cuyahoga Heights
Macy Felton, Strongsville
Lauren Gunsett, Manchester
Alondra Iriarte, Western Reserve Academy
Abby Kudla, Strongsville
Ava Patti, Rocky River
Brooklyn Steiner, Gilmour Academy
