The Hamilton Southeastern girls soccer team has always had its share of talented players.
This year’s team will continue that tradition, and in fact may set a new standard for the Royals. Coach Greg Davidson said that four of his Southeastern players have already committed to play in college, with three of them going to Division I schools. Four more have D-I offers on the table, which Davidson said is the “most from one of our teams in program history.”
The Royals finished last season 12-2-2 and won the Hoosier Crossroads Conference championship. Southeastern has already gotten into a championship mood, as it won the Adidas National Showcase in Strongsville, Ohio, part of what Davidson called “an incredible summer” for the Royals.
While Southeastern had some key graduations from last year, it does return leading scorer Layla Brown. Now a senior, Brown scored 11 goals for the Royals and also made five assists. Junior Ashlyn Freeman scored four goals for HSE last season.
The seniors on the Royals team include many with varsity experience: Ashley Wilson, Ava Marquardt, Bri Straus, Izzy Johnson and Kaitlyn Wallace. Six juniors also saw varsity time last year: Bella Bankovich, Maddie Bellaver, Freeman, Molly Harris, Lydia Self and Meredith Webster. Returning sophomores include Emily Ellis and Olivia Smith.
As for the goalkeeper position, the Royals graduated an excellent keeper in Allison Ellis, but two are waiting in the wings: Senior Shelby Schechter and junior Abby Jenkins, both of whom played some varsity last year.
“We are so excited for the season and believe we have a team that can compete with anyone in the state,” said Davidson.
The Royals will play their first game on Wednesday, hosting Franklin Central in an HCC game.
VARSITY ROSTER
Seniors: Bri Baker, Layla Brown, Madison Hoyda, Izzy Johnson, Ava Marquardt, Shelby Schechter, Bri Straus, Kaitlyn Wallace, Ashley Wilson.
Juniors: Bella Bankovich, Maddie Bellaver, Emma Dalton, Ashlyn Freeman, Molly Harris, Abby Jenkins, Lydia Self, Izzie Wallace, Meredith Webster.
Sophomores: Lauren Ellinger, Emily Ellis, Olivia Smith, Ella Wolf.
The Hamilton Southeastern girls soccer team had plenty to celebrate last season as it won a Hoosier Crossroads Conference championship. The Royals are looking forward to this season now, after a strong summer where they won the Adidas National Showcase. (Kent Graham/File photo)