Area high school girls’ soccer teams have made a habit of competing in Virginia High School League state tournaments in recent years, and 2026 figures to be another season in which local teams challenge to be among the best in Virginia.
In Class 4, James Wood earned Frederick County’s first-ever state tournament berth in 2023 and advanced to the state final in 2024. Handley made its first state tournament in program history in 2025. Clarke County (16-7) earned its fifth straight state berth last year, advancing to the championship game and falling to Poquoson.
The Judges (14-4-2) will pursue a state tournament berth this year without the graduated Emeryce Worrell. The forward scored a school-record 42 goals en route to a First Team All-State selection and Region 4D, Class 4 Northwestern District and Winchester Star Player of the Year honors.
Handley still packs plenty of firepower. Senior midfielder Mia Hudson (First Team All-State, will play for NCAA Division II Frostburg State next year) had 17 goals (the area’s top returning total) and 13 assists last season. Senior midfielder Stephanie Truban (Region 4D Second Team) led the area with 16 assists and had six goals. Junior midfielder Lily Boula (Second Team All-Area, seven goals, seven assists) also returns.
The Judges also bring back two defenders who earned All-Region 4D Second Team honors in junior Reese Craig and senior Audrey DeArment, who helped Handley to eight shutouts and 1.35 goals allowed per game.
James Wood (11-4-3) also lost its leading scorer in Maddie Shirley (22 goals). The Colonels’ top returning offensive player is junior DeLaney Newcome, who had seven goals and a team-high 11 assists last year.
James Wood figures to boast a strong defense with the return of senior defenders Avery Wright (First Team All-Region 4D, six goals, five assists), Meadow Falkner (Region 4D Second Team) and Reese Lessard, and Region 4D Honorable Mention goalkeeper and junior Alaynah McGuire (area-best 0.80 goals against average, nine shutouts, 5.6 saves per game).
Out of the five area high schools, Sherando (11-7) is the only team that returns its top scorer. Junior forward Anna Foster recorded 13 goals and five assists last year. The Warriors also return their team’s leading passer, fellow junior forward Mia Bordogna (13 assists, four goals). Both earned Second Team All-Northwestern District honors last season. Senior midfielder Olivia Lee (Second Team All-Area) had 11 goals in 2025.
The Warriors’ defense must replace McKenna Hardy, who’s now at NCAA Division I Radford University.
Millbrook (5-11) lost three players who combined for 32 of its 36 goals last year, including Molly Ludwig (21) and Kaitlyn Arthur (seven). The Pioneers do return Second Team All-Area defender Ella Mannarino, a senior who’ll play for NCAA Division III Lesley University next year. The Pioneers will also have a full-time goalkeeper in freshman Elena Washington after using a committee of field players last year.
In Class 2, Clarke County enters with a great deal more of proven experience, though the Region 2B and Bull Run District champion Eagles did lose significant talent again. All-State selections Leah Mitchell and Makenna Jarvis (combined 46 goals) and defender Morgan Walker (the Region 2B Player of the Year) were among the graduates.
The 2021 and 2023 state champs will look for their fourth straight state finals appearance, led by All-Region 2B First Team forwards Isabel Aliveto (junior; 16 goals, team-high 15 assists) and Aubrey Wagner (senior; 13 goals, seven assists).
Clarke County will also feature All-Bull Run Second Team selections in juniors Madi Sheppard (four goals, five assists) and Ashley Moran in the midfield. The back should be formidable with the return of Second Team All-Area defender Eryn Demko (five assists) and Alyssa Mitchell, a fellow senior. Senior goalkeeper Brianna Mayo earned Second Team All-District honors, recording a 1.09 GAA and 4.04 saves per game.
The following is a breakdown provided by the area coaches:
Handley
Coach: Mike Danielson, second season
Last year: 14-4-2; Region 4D champions; lost to Woodgrove in Class 4 state quarterfinals.
Key losses: Emeryce Worell, Olivia Jett, Emma Roark.
Key returnees: Audrey DeArment, Sr., D; Stephanie Truban, Sr., M; Mia Hudson, Sr., M; Lily Boula, Jr., M; Reese Craig, Jr., D; Brooklyn Campbell, Jr., D/M; Isabelle Flint, So., D.
Key newcomers: Milly Kump, Fr., F/M; Scarlett Pifer, Fr., D.
Danielson’s outlook: “I believe we have another very competitive team that has the ability to do very well in the district and region once again. We lost some very good seniors last year but we still have a group of talented girls for this year’s team. My hope is we come together as a team, work hard individually and for each other, and if we do, positive results will follow. Each of the other local teams will be good and will challenge us each time we play them. I believe we match up well talent-wise against the local teams. Our schedule is going to be a tough one this season as we have picked up strong teams we have not played for a while, or have not played altogether.
“Last year’s team did extremely well reaching the state quarterfinals. I do believe we have the ability to get to the state tournament if we can continue to work hard individually and as a team. We set goals and expectations as a team to guide us in success. From what I see at the training sessions, we are progressing well as a team and everyone works hard each session. I believe that will translate to success for us when the season games begin.
“We can always improve on our technical skills and the ability to read the game. During our training sessions I have challenged the girls to get better each time they train. I want them to be better at reading the game as it unfolds in front of them so they can be supportive and work cohesively as a unit. Honestly, I am impressed with the quality of the team overall. I am happy with our progression as a group so far, and hope the level of intensity and quality remains high throughout the season.”
First game: March 20 vs. Liberty
Clarke County
Coach: Ray Hawkins, fourth season
Last year: 16-7 (11-1 Bull Run District); Bull Run District and Region 2B champions; lost to Poquoson in Class 2 state final.
Key losses: Leah Mitchell, Makenna Jarvis, Morgan Walker, Kyleigh Goforth, Miriam Rojas.
Key returnees: Aubrey Wagner, Sr., F; Isabel Aliveto, Jr., F; Madi Sheppard, Jr. M; Ashley Moran, Jr., M; Brianna Mayo, Sr., GK; Eryn Demko, Sr., D; Alyssa Mitchell, Sr., D; Zoe Brown, So., F; Hayley Cornett, Sr., D.
Key newcomers: Kendall Myers, Fr., M; Sophie Gloster, Fr., F; Margaret Myer, Fr. D.
Hawkins’ outlook: “We can compete for the district and region title. Central and Madison will field strong teams, and if we advance to the state tournament, it should be Glenvar or Poquoson to beat for the state championship.
“I think the chemistry with the front three from last year will still be present this year, with the chance for even more goals scored from last year. Once the new players adapt into the new system we have, we should do well. The first [three] games (Clarke County will play Sherando twice and James Wood once) will be a great test for us to see if we can compete with the best teams in our classification.
“Eryn Demko was a great surprise last season [in her first year at the school]. This year, she will anchor the defense with Alyssa Mitchell. They should gel very well early on in the season. Offensively, I am eager to see the combination play from Madi Sheppard and Kendall Myers to Zoe Brown, Aubrey Wagner, and Isabel Aliveto; they are capable of creating some excellent chances this season.”
First game: Tuesday vs. Sherando
James Wood
Coach: Donavan Russell, seventh season
Last year: 11-4-3; lost to Orange County in Region 4D quarterfinals.
Key losses: Eva DeMattei, Nayah Edwards, Sloane Ferrebee, Mary Kimble, Grace Rivas Zelaya, Maddie Shirley.
Key returnees: Avery Wright, Sr. D; Meadow Falkner, Sr., D; Reese Lessard, Sr., D; Kierny Prunty (4 assists), Sr., M; Alaynah McGuire, Jr., GK; DeLaney Newcome, Jr., M; Karli Orndorff, Jr., D; Aubrie Darnell, Jr., M; Emily Kimmel, Jr., M; Ava Manzo (4 assists), Jr., F; Stephanie Andrade Barco, So., F.
Key newcomers: Khloe Roman, Jr., M; Adalyn Balwanz, Jr., M; Tori Clyburn, So., F; Autumn Gilbert, Fr., M; Grace Wilson, Fr., M; Ella Barton, Fr., F; Avery Wright So., GK.
Russell’s outlook: “It’s exciting to have a core group of players returning this season. With 10 players boasting region and state tournament experience, our team is well-positioned for a strong campaign. I expect us to compete with high energy and resiliency every match night.
“We’ve also welcomed several younger players who have performed impressively in the preseason. The leadership from our captains, Avery Wright and Meadow Falkner, along with our upperclassmen, is exceeding our high standards. They fully understand what we aim to achieve and demonstrate the work ethic required to prepare for a high school soccer season, setting a great example for our younger players every day.
“Our district is filled with talented teams and outstanding players, making every match a test. Our primary goal is to compete at a high level and finish the season near the top. Ultimately, we want to be playing our best soccer in late May and make another deep run in the regional tournament this year.”
First game: March 18 at Liberty
Sherando
Coach: Patrick Gladden, second season
Last year: 11-7; lost to Handley in Region 4D quarterfinals.
Key losses: Sophia Straightiff, Maggie Tenney, Makenna Hardy, Rhys Neff, Morgan Catalano, Ella Guntang.
Key returnees: Sienna Forrer (6 assists), Sr., D; Delaney Gladden, So., D; Emma Defibaugh, Jr., D; Lily Weisbrod, Jr., D; Tessa Pang, Jr., D; Carleigh Ritter (4 goals), Sr., F; Olivia Lee, Sr., M; Mia Bordogna, Jr., F; Anna Foster, Jr., F.
Key newcomers: Jenna Hembrick, So., GK; Kailyn Kraeme, So., M; Lydia Keefauver, Fr., M; Eleni Kubeika, Fr., F; Amelia Rice, Fr., F; Kamryn Miller, Jr., M; Jazmine Castro, Jr., M; Alana Taylor, Sr., F.
Gladden’s outlook: “The girls are excited like I’ve never seen. Chemistry is a major factor and they seem to be at a high level already. The expectation is to win and they all want the same thing. Local and district competition will be tight again. Regionally, I believe this team can compete at the highest level.
“The girls are closer this year and have already begun to be supportive of one another. While losing several starters is never easy, this year’s group has lots of experience and desire to not let that be a big factor. This year the focus is more about having good support on and off the field. Movement off the ball has to improve from last year. Otherwise, we will have the same results.
“Sienna and Olivia are looking as solid as ever and are looking to be more of a force. Lydia Keefauver is playing at a higher level than a typical incoming freshman and will be a significant addition. The growth of the sophomore class will also be a huge step in the right direction as Delaney, Jenna and Kailyn are growing by the day. We also have a very talented junior class and return major pieces in Anna, Mia, Lily, Emma and Tessa.”
First game: Monday vs. Warren County
Millbrook
Coach: Karlie Hepner, second season
Last year: 5-11.
Key losses: Molly Ludwig, Alexis Brookshire, Kaitlyn Arthur, Jamilee Festa, Jade Onwonga, Sydney Cox, Kayla Herrara, Candelaria Velasquez-Lopez, Kate Caceres Taveras, Sarah Young (out for the year after ACL surgery).
Key returnees: Ella Mannarino, Sr., D/M; Ayelen Arias, Sr., M; Ashley Bonilla Dominguez, Sr., D; Madeline Espinoza, Sr., M; Glendy Pineda, Sr., F/M; Ayris Witherspoon, Jr., D; Delaney Fry, Jr., D; Isabella Lingo, Jr., D/M; Victoria Nakai, Jr., F/M; Caroline Ludwig, So., D/M; Mara Mennard, So., M.
Key newcomers: Elena Washington, Fr., GK; Cesia Abac Vicente, Jr., F/M; Adrianna Vargas, Fr., F/M; Olivia Savage, Fr., F; Everleigh Mannarino, Fr., M; Hannah Monter Madrigal, Jr., D.
Hepner’s outlook: “This year is going to be different, and I’m beyond excited to see how we compete. I’m very proud of the team culture we established last year, and I can’t wait to keep building on that and continue our work to both prove and establish ourselves as a competitive, winning team in the area.
“We’ve gained a goalkeeper, Elena Washington, which is huge for us as we did not have a GK last year, and that cost us games. Washington was a standout on our JV team last year as an eighth-grader, and she’s continued to play soccer year-round. She understands her role and is ready to step up to the plate. Overall, we’re younger but faster this year and with more versatile personnel. We want to be more direct and aggressive in our attack in order to create more goal-scoring opportunities as a team, especially since losing our primary goal scorer from last year, Molly Ludwig.
“Our returning varsity sophomores, Caroline Ludwig and Mara Mennard, have made strides this past year in their skill development and confidence, which is always exciting to see. We’ve also gained Adrianna Vargas, sister of returner Ayris Witherspoon. The sisters were new to the Winchester area late last school year, and now since they’re more established, they’re ready to rock. I think they both will have major impacts for us this spring.”
First game: Tuesday vs. Harrisonburg
— Contact Robert Niedzwiecki at rniedzwiecki@winchesterstar.com
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