Best of the Best: 2023 Daily Herald All-Valley Girls Soccer Team
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- Maple Mountain senior Mika Krommenhoek passes the ball during the 5A semifinals against Olympus at Zions Bank Stadium in Herriman on Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2023.
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- American Fork junior Lucy Kesler kicks the ball during the 6A championship game against Lone Peak at America First Field in Sandy on Friday, Oct. 20, 2023.
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- Lone Peak senior Brinn Beck heads the ball during the 6A quarterfinal game against Farmington in Highland on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023.
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- American Fork players celebrate with junior keeper Sarah Mathis (center) after the 6A semifinal game against Skyridge at Zions Bank Stadium in Herriman on Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2023.
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- Maple Mountain head coach Clif Swain talks to his team during the 5A championship game against Bountiful at America First Field in Sandy on Friday, Oct. 20, 2023.
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- Springville junior Sophia Neves (30) battles a Spanish Fork defender for the ball during the Region 9 game in Springville on Thursday, Sept. 15, 2022.
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- Lone Peak junior Bella Devey has her cross blocked by an American Fork defender during the 6A championship game at America First Field in Sandy on Friday, Oct. 20, 2023.
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- Maple Mountain sophomore keeper Anya Gulley makes a save during the penalty-kick shootout in the 5A championship game against Bountiful at America First Field in Sandy on Friday, Oct. 20, 2023.
Jared Lloyd, Daily Herald
Maple Mountain senior Mika Krommenhoek passes the ball during the 5A semifinals against Olympus at Zions Bank Stadium in Herriman on Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2023.
Here are the top girls soccer players in the Utah Valley area in 2023:
Player of the Year: Samantha Sellers, Jr. F, Lone Peak
Sellers was an elite creator who both scored (17 goals) and set up teammates (13 assists) as she powered the Knight offense to play its best. She also sacrificed for the team, playing with a torn labrum and separated shoulder, while still being a caring, fun leader for Lone Peak as it won the 6A title.
Offensive MVP: Lucy Kesler, Jr. MF, American Fork
Kesler is a dynamic performer with incredible skill in all aspects of the game. She was deadly when attacking (16 goals, five assists) and often drew so much attention that other Cavemen found openings.
Midfielder MVP: Mika Krommenhoek, Sr. MF, Maple Mountain
One of the most effective set-piece takers in the state, Krommenhoek always put the ball in dangerous positions. She finished with 15 assists as well as five goals and was excellent at shutting down opposing attacks on defense as she led the Golden Eagles to the 5A title.
Defensive MVP: Brinn Beck, Sr. D, Lone Peak
Beck was a vital backline organizer and presence with excellent communication skills and the ability to recognize and shut down opposing attacks. Her efforts were a big reason the Knights only allowed eight total goals in 2023.
Keeper of the Year: Sarah Mathis, Jr. GK, American Fork
Jared Lloyd, Daily Herald
American Fork junior Lucy Kesler kicks the ball during the 6A championship game against Lone Peak at America First Field in Sandy on Friday, Oct. 20, 2023.
Vocal leader at the back for the Cavemen who repeatedly came up with huge saves in critical moments as American Fork reached the 6A finals.
Coach of the Year: Clif Swain, Maple Mountain
The Golden Eagles endured injuries and losses during the season but Swain kept the team focused and believing. He got them playing their best at the end of the year, rallying for a dramatic overtime win at Timpview and then riding the momentum all the way to the 5A title win over Bountiful in penalty kicks.
2023 All-Valley Girls Soccer First Team (alphabetical order)
Hannah Bailey, Sr. D, Maple Mountain
Key stopper in the back for the Golden Eagles who could also make a difference coming forward (three goals).
Rachel Boren, Jr. MF/F, Skyridge
Jared Lloyd, Daily Herald
Lone Peak senior Brinn Beck heads the ball during the 6A quarterfinal game against Farmington in Highland on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023.
Talented attacker who was always a threat to get the ball in the net (16 goals scored, six assists).
Eliza Collings, So. GK, Lone Peak
Mentally sharp athlete who didn’t get tested frequently but was still ready and made big stops (16 shutouts).
Kate Denney, Jr. MF/F, Lone Peak
Excellent leader and catalyst, finishing with 10 goals and five assists as part of the impressive Knight attack.
Jared Lloyd, Daily Herald
American Fork players celebrate with junior keeper Sarah Mathis (center) after the 6A semifinal game against Skyridge at Zions Bank Stadium in Herriman on Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2023.
Bella Devey, Jr. MF, Lone Peak
Athletic forward with the speed and skill to wreak havoc on defenses in numerous ways (11 goals, 12 assists).
Brooke Gardner, Sr. D, Skyridge
Savvy backline player who frequently came up big to shut down scoring opportunities.
Anya Gulley, So. GK, Maple Mountain
Jared Lloyd, Daily Herald
Maple Mountain head coach Clif Swain talks to his team during the 5A championship game against Bountiful at America First Field in Sandy on Friday, Oct. 20, 2023.
Athletic, tough keeper who came up big on the biggest stage, helping the Golden Eagles win the 5A title in PKs.
Chelsie Johnson, Jr. D, American Fork
Excellent stopper who had good field sense and could effectively move forward to support the Caveman attack.
Ruby Lee, Jr. D, Lone Peak
Amazing one-on-one defender who stymied some gifted attackers, helping the Knights get a lot of shutouts.
Jared Lloyd, Daily Herald
Springville junior Sophia Neves (30) battles a Spanish Fork defender for the ball during the Region 9 game in Springville on Thursday, Sept. 15, 2022.
Samantha (Mattie) Neves, So. F/MF, Springville
Tremendous young attacker who was one of the most unstoppable players in the state, notching 24 goals and four assists.
Sophia Neves, Sr. F/MF, Springville
Excellent passer who showed tremendous playmaking ability, setting up 18 assists while also tallying seven goals.
Sarah Oyler, Sr. F, Timpview
Jared Lloyd, Daily Herald
Lone Peak junior Bella Devey has her cross blocked by an American Fork defender during the 6A championship game at America First Field in Sandy on Friday, Oct. 20, 2023.
Critical offensive weapon who found ways to score (18 goals) and get the ball in good spots for teammates (six assists).
Mary Roberts, Sr. MF, Timpanogos
Excellent playmaker who was huge in keeping the Timberwolf offense on track (11 assists, five goals).
Naia Tanuvasa, Sr. MF, Lone Peak
A physical, reliable presence in the middle who was excellent in the area and rarely out of position.
2023 All-Valley Girls Soccer Second Team (alphabetical order)
Jared Lloyd, Daily Herald
Maple Mountain sophomore keeper Anya Gulley makes a save during the penalty-kick shootout in the 5A championship game against Bountiful at America First Field in Sandy on Friday, Oct. 20, 2023.
Kalena Bellini, Jr. F, Skyridge
Solid finisher with great athleticism (7 goals)
Brooklyn Bradley, Sr. F/MF, Orem
11 goals scored, key attacker
Erin Dahl, Sr. MF, Lehi
5 goals scored, important leader
Chase Dean, Sr. D, Maple Mountain
Excellent defender, good at getting ball forward
Sophie Eckery, Sr. MF, American Fork
6 goals scored, 1 assist, key facilitator
Kate Fuller, So. MF, Lone Peak
10 goals scored, 9 assists
Paisley Gardner, So. F, American Heritage
Gifted scorer for the Patriots (27 goals, 11 assists)
Ellie Griffin, So. F, Timpview
Exciting young athlete, 7 goals scored, 3 assists
Brooke Hendricks, Jr. F, Lone Peak
18 goals scored, 10 assists
Julie Huddleston, So. F, American Fork
10 goals, 2 assists
Emma McIff, Sr. K, Timpanogos
13 shutouts, dynamic ability between the posts
Natalee Payne, Fr. F, Maeser
16 goals scored, 6 assists
Aaliyah Pena, Sr. F, Salem Hills
Offensive focal point who notched 12 goals
Afton Perry, Jr. F, Westlake
10 goals, 5 assists
Kate Shirts, Sr. MF, Mountain View
12 goals scored, 6 assists
Honorable Mention
ALA: Zuri Smith, Cynthia Puerto
American Fork: Lila Millward, Faith Nydegger, Eden Jones, Bailee Ballard
American Heritage: Sadie Stratton, Scotlyn Schlosser, Saffrom Osmond, Portia Boggess, Ainsley Suelzle, Riley Jensen
Cedar Valley: Emma Beavin, Danielle Dunn, Emerson Stout, Aubrey King
Juab: Addison Hyatt, Kaira Lowe, Karlie Sperry
Lehi: Izzy Dahl, Kelsey Badger, Hallie Schmidt
Lone Peak: Tessa Carter, Brooklyn Dowdle, Paige Headricks, Islay Smith
Maeser Prep: Samira Sosa, Vicky Memmott, Katie Olsen. Sophia Christensen
Maple Mountain: Kesley Jewkes, Ruth Swain, Kate Yeates, Piper Hoyt, Sierra Liggett, Arie Bunce
Mountain View: Isabelle Bramble, Sierra Bryan, Bailey Peterson, Lucy Konold, Sabrina McCarter
Orem: Hanna Sherrill, Mylie Louder, Brooklyn Alkire
Payson: Kenli Miller, Kelsey Garcia, Olivia Neilson, Jazmin Castano
Pleasant Grove: Malia Tuitavuki, Sarah Newman, Tess Livingston, Jordyn Farrer
Provo: Addison Rose, Emma Martin, Shae Ridge, Kayla Stoddard
Salem Hills: Chelsey Hughes, Swazie King, Maili AhKuoi
Skyridge: Amanda Caswell, Allison Beard, Allie Noorda, Mercede Sampson, Annika Johns
Spanish Fork: PJ Ashworth, Lexi Kovatch, Laney Forbush, Brooklyn Smith, Kinley Hicks
Springville: Tallulah Jensen, Halle Hall, Caroline Penrod, Lindsay Walker
Timpanogos: Haley Hutchins, Adele Faller, Malia Jessop, Georgia King, Izzy Pierce, Alie Strong
Timpview: Eliza Doxey, Claire Burningham, Gabi Hall, Daysi Barajas, Sienna Rosborough, Ellie Robertson
Wasatch: Jane Wooley, Berkley Binggeli, Ellie Karl, Reese Myers, Antonia Dunn
Westlake: Halle Cowan, Marlee Hunter, Jessica Martin, Kennedy Prestwich
