John Oberholtzer highlights several soccer players to watch in the National Conference. In upcoming notebooks, the former Council Rock South coach will highlight players from the Continental and American Conferences.
The girls’ soccer season is in full swing, and the coaches have had an opportunity see their players under fire. I have asked the coaches of the SOL National Conference to highlight some of their promising players to watch.
Rick Tompkins, Abington’s girls coach, highlighted Julia Guarinia midfielder who Rick proudly states “She can really play.” Not a small claim coming from the one-time president of EPYSA. Rick says she takes on players fearlessly and has great pace and has a very bright future. Great attributes for any soccer player playing the flank! Rick (Tick) Tompkins feels she is one of the best he has coached at Abington. A great way to get that ball deep into your opponent’s defensive third!
Neshaminy head coach Rachel Clemens didn’t have to mull over who she feels is a go-to player! Everyone in girls’ soccer in Eastern Pa knows Megan Schafer is one of the best young players around. Around, in this case, means that she was selected as a 2011 National All American. Megan played this summer in a WPSL league with all Division One scholarship athletes. To say she held her own would be an understatement. She has verbally committed to Penn State, which was ranked number six in the national collegiate rankings!
Pennsbury head coach Kaitlyn Battiste reports forward Lexi Brown scored three goals against one of the strongest teams in the area and also has three assists so far this season. Lexi is a fierce competitor and has a great game awareness and plays a major role as a stable link at midfield. Great attributes for a midfielder and obviously Lexi knows where the goal is and is able to find her teammates in the final third!
The head coach of CR North and former men’s coach at Villanova University, Larry Sullivan says that Nicole Moonan is a welcome returner from last year’s championship team. Nicole has committed to St Joseph’s University after graduation. Sharing coach Sullivan’s accolades with Nicole is center defender Sarah Cannon, who has committed to Marist University after graduation. Coach Sullivan graduated a slew of players, and these two players are stepping up as leaders on the field.
Council Rock South coach Kim Francis pointed to senior Paige McDowell as a standout on her squad. Paige was all-league last year and this summer competed in the WPSL league with Megan Schafer. She has committed to take her talents to La Salle University.
These are just a few of the players to watch out for in the National Conference. A couple of standouts on a team can make a huge difference in the high school soccer world. Unlike club ball, the coaches are handed players who live in their district. They must mesh players of various experience levels, which poses a challenge to coaches and players. Players get to play with their fellow classmates and team leaders such as the girls mentioned above.
These girls are tremendous assets in the search for a competitive edge against their local rivals. High school ball gives young players a chance to play out of their club designated age groups and experience the challenge of developing a team chemistry to achieve their goals. Good luck to everyone in achieving your team goals!
Yours in soccer,
John Oberholtzer
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