High school girls soccer: The Olympian’s fall 2021 All-Area team

The dust has settled on the high school girls soccer team, complete with state tournament once again for the first time since the 2019 fall season. These were the top players in the Olympia area this fall.

PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Caroline Penner, Capital, sr. — The Seattle University signee broke the century mark in goals scored, despite a career limited by injuries. Penner was a part of The Olympian’s All-Area team all four years of high school, dipping to the second team only in Spring 2021 when she was out with a knee injury for all but four games. She was the Offensive MVP of the 3A South Sound Conference this season after scoring 34 goals and serving up seven assists. “With Caroline, her team comes first,” said Cougars’ coach Adriana Montes. “She will work hard to help in any way she can.” Penner will join another All-Area POY, former Tumwater star Hallie Bergford, the 2019 honoree, on SU’s squad in the fall.

COACH OF THE YEAR

Tamara Liska, Olympia — A two-time All-Area coach of the year, Liska also earned the honor in 2018. This fall, she rapidly rebuilt Olympia after major losses to graduation. The Spring 2021 team was one of the best defensive squads in the state. With four players who would go on to play significant minutes as college freshmen this fall holding down the fort, the Bears shut out seven opponents and gave up just five goals. Although needing to retool its approach, Olympia reached the 4A West Central/Southwest Bi-District championship game and the first round of the state tournament in Fall 2021. The Bears won the SPSL South and downed North power Curtis in a cross-divisional game. Liska was named SPSL South coach of the year.

FIRST TEAM

FORWARDS

Megan Letts, Tenino, sr. —A repeat member of the All-Area first team, Letts was selected the 1A EvCo’s offensive player of the year after scoring 10 goals and adding 10 assists for the Beavers, who reached the state quarterfinals.

Katelyn Rigg, Olympia, sr. — Rigg was the offensive player of the year in the 4A SPSL South after scoring a league-leading 21 goals. “Katelyn works hard, she’s fast. She’s intentional and loves being part of the team,” said Liska.

Emalyn Shaffer, Tumwater, fr. — The 2A Evergreen Conference offensive player of the year, Shaffer scored 15 goals and added six assists. Tumwater coach Brett Bartlett is excited, anticipating three more seasons of Shaffer in a Thunderbirds’ jersey, saying “there’s an old stereotype in soccer that the best forward will run through walls to score – walls don’t stand a chance against Em.”

MIDFIELDERS

Lindsey Crowe, Timberline, sr.— First team All-3A South Sound Conference choice after scoring 17 goals. “Lindsey is a fierce competitor with a rocket shot,” said coach Mark Phillips. “Her quick touch on the ball and explosive move into space she creates set her up for many of her goals.”

Emma Hays, Olympia, sr.— Selected to the All-4A SPSL South first team after scoring 11 goals. “Emma is calm with fancy feet. She is creative and can get out of stinky situations. She’s a good teammate,” said Liska.

Alivia Hunter, Tenino, sr. — First team All-1A EvCo after scoring five goals and contributing four assists, Hunter made her mark defensively. Second team All-Area last season. “She shuts down any attack an offense tries to make,” said Beavers’ coach Kevin Schultz.

Mia Oniskey, Black Hills, jr. — Named midfielder of the year in the 2A EvCo, Oniskey scored 11 goals and added 12 assists. Moves up from a second team All-Area slot in the spring. “She’s a do everything player who played 80 minutes of every game,” said coach Ty Johnson. “A true leader for the team.”

Kayden Perigo, Capital, soph. — A first team All-3A SSC selection, Perigo scored 12 goals and added seven assists. She makes her second appearance on first team All-Area. “Kayden is so coachable and plays in every position you place her,” said Montes. “She has tremendous endurance and we’re lucky to have her for two more years.”

DEFENDERS

Mia Cuoio, Tumwater, jr. —Named the 2A EvCo defensive player of the year and scored two goals as a center back. Second team All-Area last season. “Mia is fast, physical and good with both feet,” said Bartlett. “She plays far bigger than her size in winning the ball over much taller players.”

Meridee Hill, Yelm, jr. — Hill scored eight goals from her center back position. Was second team All-Area during the spring. “She’s a tenacious defender with ability to go forward and score,” said Tornados’ coach Jay Dorhauer.

Joslyn Kruse, Olympia, jr. — First team all-league in the 4A SPSL South, Kruse changed positions from outside to center back to help replace a long-time crew of graduated defenders for the Bears, four of whom went on to play in college. “She’s a quiet consistent leader, but vocal on the field,” said Liska.

Ainsley Wall, Tumwater, sr. — Part of a T-Birds’ senior class that never lost a league game, Wall was the 2A EvCo overall most valuable player. She scored eight goals and had three assists. Second consecutive first team All-Area selection; second team as a soph. “Ainsley’s an excellent leader, defender, passer and shooter,” said Bartlett.

Destinee Robertson, Timberline, sr. — All-Area for the fourth straight year, Robertson was the 3A SSC’s defensive MVP. The Blazers’ center back was on the watch list for the All-American High School Game. “She’s the quickest, fastest, most controlled player I’ve coached or seen in my 27 years of coaching,” said Phillips. “Her ability to stay poised and disciplined in the midst of each and every battle is something to behold.”

GOALKEEPER

Sydney Woods, Tumwater, jr. — Selected the 2A EvCo’s goalkeeper of the year, after allowing just one goal during league play in two years as Tumwater’s starter. Woods is also the only T-Bird ‘keeper to ever record an assist during the run of play. “She’s courageous in the net and a solid shot stopper,” said Bartlett. “She’s good with her feet and an excellent decision maker.”

SECOND TEAM

Forwards — Elizabeth Clemens, North Thurston, junior; Ava Jones, Tumwater, freshman; Bailey Lee, Black Hills, junior; Cameron Sheets, W.F. West, junior; Abby Severse, Tenino, senior; Beta Valentine, Elma, freshman.

Midfielders — Holly Dorhauer, Yelm, freshman; Lyv Heistand, Olympia, senior; Olivia Kee, Tumwater, junior; Lindsay McGaughy, Capital, senior; Kyla McCallum, W.F. West, senior; Brooklyn McMullin, Shelton, senior; Sarah Robbins, Centralia, junior; Eliza Sibbett, Elma, sophomore; Payton Smith, North Thurston, freshman; Grace Vestal, Tenino, senior.

Defenders — Jessica Bender, Black Hills, senior; Kaylynn Dowling, W.F. West, senior; Sarah Jakoby, Shelton, senior; Isabella Lund, Tumwater, senior; Andee Schaffran, Tenino, senior; Jordyn Thomas, River Ridge, senior.

Goalkeepers — Grace Koonrad, Elma, senior; Claudia Wilson, Olympia, sophomore.