High school girls soccer: The Olympian’s 2019 All-Area team
First- and second-team selections for The Olympian’s 2019 All-Area high school girls soccer team.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Hallie Bergford, Tumwater, sr. — Seattle U signee is a three-time Olympian All-Area pick, and scored 36 goals and added eight assists this season. Her accuracy was exceptional with 63.4 percent of her shots on goal. Tumwater coach Brett Bartlett calls her a “top of the food chain type of striker.”
COACH OF THE YEAR
Kevin Schultz, Tenino — Has guided the Beavers to the Class 1A state tournament both of his seasons as their coach. After a 13-6-1 finish in 2018, he lost 10 seniors, bit rebuilt Tenino in a hurry. The Beavers finished 18-1-1 this season, beating South Whidbey in the state tournament before losing to Seattle Academy. Players and assistant coaches praise his energy and enthusiasm.
FIRST TEAM
FORWARDS
Brieanna Dell, Tenino, jr. — Three-time Olympian All-Area pick led the Beavers to the 1A state playoffs for the second consecutive year, using her strength and breakaway speed to pile up 42 goals
Lauren Forster, Olympia, sr. — A four-year letter winner and two-time team captain, Forster scored 19 goals this season on her way to second team 4A SPSL honors. She also had nine assists.
Marsaiah Navarette, Black Hills, soph. — At just 5-foot-4, the 2A Evergreen Conference offensive player of the year had 14 goals and 11 assists this season. Wolves coach James Corbin credits Navarette with an ability to get behind players with the ball and still find an open player to finish.
Anna Zeldenrust, Black Hills, sr. — Zeldenrust scored 12 goals and had 15 assists after moving full-time to striker this season. Three-year first team 2A EvCo player and two-time All-Area selection. Corbin says few players can match her quickness and ball skills.
MIDFIELDERS
Caroline Penner, Capital, soph. — Two-time first-team 3A South Sound Conference pick and returning All-Area selection is an attacking midfielder who scored 19 goals and added eight assists. Seattle U commit has 40 goals in her first two seasons.
Grace Vestal, Tenino, soph. — Tenino coaches credit Vestal with being the centerpiece of the Beavers’ ball distribution with six goals and 18 assists. First team 1A Evergreen Conference pick.
DEFENDERS
Helene Budd, North Thurston, jr. — First team 3A SSC pick helped the Rams reach the district playoffs, and commanded attention from opposing coaches.
Landry McCann, Olympia, jr. — Last season’s All-Area player of the year is a three-year varsity starter. McCann anchored an Olympia defense that posted four shutouts and allowed just one goal in six other games. 4A SPSL first-team selection is also a three-time Olympian All-Area pick.
Destinee Robertson, Timberline, soph. — Part of a back line that recorded six shutouts and finished second in a league that included 3A state champion Gig Harbor. First team 3A SSC pick for the second consecutive season.
Madison Vu, North Thurston, jr. — Two-time Olympian All-Area selection is also a three-time 3A SSC first team pick. Vu anchored a Rams back line that allowed a goal or less 10 times during the season, including six shutouts.
GOALKEEPER
Cassie Mullins, Tumwater, sr. — 2A EvCo defensive player of the year and returning first team All-Area goalkeeper recorded 12 shutouts and had a goals-against average of 0.71 per game after allowing only 12 scores all season. Also recorded a pair of assists offensively.
SECOND TEAM
Forwards: Annie Hoffman, North Thurston, jr.; Megan River, Black Hills, sr.; Taylor Woodworth, River Ridge, jr.
Midfielders: Sufina Ahmath, Rochester, sr.; Ashley Joubert, Timberline, sr.; Arianna Kee, Tumwater, sr.; Cameron Sheets, W.F. West, fr.; Sydni Stipic, Capital, jr.; Abigail Tate, North Thurston, sr.
Defenders: Emily Briggs, Tumwater, sr.; Cassidy McWhorter, Black Hills, jr.; Cassy Schilter, W.F. West, jr.; Makayla Soh, Olympia, sr.; Jordyn Thomas, River Ridge, soph.; Ainsley Wall, Tumwater, soph.
Goalkeepers: Lyric Tinnel, Olympia, sr.; Abby Severse, Tenino, soph.