FLINT METRO LEAGUE:
Below are the team capsules for the Flint Metro League. Rounds of Emails were sent to the athletics departments and coaching staffs of every girls soccer program in the state where coaches emails were available in March. To submit information for missing schools, submit additional information, or to make corrections, please email Web and Content Editor Dan Stickradt at stickradt@michigansoccernetwork.com or text to (248) 884-1051.
Teams – Clio, Corunna, Flint Kearsley, Fenton, Flushing, Goodrich, Holly, Lake Fenton, Linden, Ortonville Brandon, Owosso, Swartz Creek
SCHOOL: Linden
HEAD COACH: Kevin Fiebernitz
2022 OVERALL RECORD / LEAGUE RECORD / LEAGUE FINISH: 15-2-3, 10-0-1 FML (first)
2022 STATE TOURNAMENT RESULTS: Def. Auburn Hills Avondale (8-0); def. Lake Fenton (4-0) in district finals; lost to South Lyon East (6-0) in D-2 regional semifinals
STATE CHAMPIONSHIP SEASONS: None
STATE RUNNER-UP SEASONS: None
FINAL FOUR-REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP SEASONS: 2017
RETURNING STARTERS: Hannah Wasilewski, sr. D (All-State Honorable Mention, All-League First Team); Olivia Mawhinney, jr. F (All-League First Team); Alison Maienbrook, jr. D (All-State Honorable Mention, All-League Second Team); Ava Skinner, sr. D (All-League Third Team); Katie Roti, jr. M (All-League Second Team); Madi Grondi, jr. F; Maddie Dewhirst, soph. F
OTHER KEY RETURNEES: Nicole Horst, jr. M; Shaye Barkholz, soph. F/M
KEY NEWCOMERS: Maryn Nettenmund, sr. F/M (Ferris State; played with Nationals GA last season); Chelsey Chambliss, sr. F
OUTLOOK / NOTABLES / COACHES COMMENTS: Linden only graduated four players and welcome back not only a large portion on the roster, but a few players that opted to play with ECNL club teams or U.S. Girls Academy teams last school year. With a bevy of talent, the Eagles are the heavy favorites to win the Flint Metro League and be capable of making a long postseason run.
SCHOOL: Clio
HEAD COACH: Jaclyn Stewart
2022 OVERALL RECORD / LEAGUE RECORD / LEAGUE FINISH: 15-5-1, 6-3-1 FML (tied-fourth)
2022 STATE TOURNAMENT RESULTS: Def. Flint Kearsley (9-1); lost to Goodrich in D-2 district finals (3-0)
STATE CHAMPIONSHIP SEASONS: None
STATE RUNNER-UP SEASONS: None
RETURNEES STARTERS: Madison Filpansick, sr.; Madison Bartholomew, jr.; Hailey Vanier, sr.
OTHER KEY RETURNEES: Heily Alcazar, jr.; Kaylon Basore, jr.; Brooklyn Lowell, jr.; Alexandria Phillips, jr.; Alexandria Philips, jr. Madison Pontisso, jr.; Arlyonna Urmetz, jr.; Ka-Yee Wu, sr.
KEY NEWCOMERS: Braylynn Bechtel, fr.; Natalia Borrero, fr.; Adrianna Dinnan, fr.; Braelyn Learst, fr.; Autumn Wilkinson, fr.; Courtney Hadaway, soph.; Skyleigh Hatt, soph.; Mackenzie Lafreniere, soph.; Lindsay Nash, fr.; Claire Norton, fr.; Miranda Sullivan, soph.
OUTLOOK / NOTABLES / COACHES COMMENTS: All six players that earned some type of all-league or all-district accolades graduated for Clio, leaving many question marks about who may step up and fill various roles this season. The Tigers are coming off back-to-back seasons where they earned 15 and 13 wins, respectively, played in the district finals two years in a row and won a district in 2021. They had a large senior class in 2022, leaving the door of opportunity open for younger players to shine.
SCHOOL: Corunna
HEAD COACH: Kyle Gregoricka
2022 OVERALL RECORD / LEAGUE RECORD / LEAGUE FINISH: 1-12-0, 0-10-0 FML (12th)
2022 STATE TOURNAMENT RESULTS: Def. Durand (2-1); lost to Ovid-Elsie (4-0) in D-2 district semifinals
STATE CHAMPIONSHIP SEASONS: None
STATE RUNNER-UP SEASONS: None
RETURNING STARTERS: Emma Holmes, jr.; Cora Tuller, sr.
OTHER KEY RETURNEES:
KEY NEWCOMERS:
OUTLOOK / NOTABLES / COACHES COMMENTS: After finishing last in the FML and recording just one win in 2022, Corunna hopes to right the ship and add a few victories to the resume this season. Corunna has started 1-3-0 with a 2-1 league victory over Owosso.
SCHOOL: Flint Kearsley
HEAD COACH: Jesus Martinez
2022 OVERALL RECORD / LEAGUE RECORD / LEAGUE FINISH: 4-12-1, 2-8-1 FML (tied-ninth)
2022 STATE TOURNAMENT RESULTS: Def. North Branch (2-1); lost to Clio (9-1) in D-2 district semifinals
STATE CHAMPIONSHIP SEASONS: None
STATE RUNNER-UP SEASONS: None
RETURNING STARTERS:
OTHER KEY RETURNEES:
KEY NEWCOMERS:
OUTLOOK / NOTABLES / COACHES COMMENTS:
SCHOOL: Fenton
HEAD COACH: Jose Melero, first season
2022 OVERALL RECORD / LEAGUE RECORD / LEAGUE FINISH: 8-11-1, 6-6-0 FML (seventh)
2022 STATE TOURNAMENT RESULTS: Def. Ortonville Brandon (2-0); lost to Lake Fenton (2-1) in D-2 district semifinals
STATE CHAMPIONSHIP SEASONS: None
STATE RUNNER-UP SEASONS: 2015
FINAL FOUR-REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP SEASONS: 2009, 2013, 2015
RETURNING STARTERS: Abbey Logan, sr. D (All-League Third Team); Maddie Sheffield, soph. M; Maddie Slezinski, sr. F/M (signed with Aquinas College); Olivia Trosen, soph. F; Leah Rockman, jr.; F/M
OTHER KEY RETURNEES: Maddie Egle, jr. F; Lucah Matznick, soph. M; Allie Lutz, jr. F; Lilah Graham, jr. M; Brielle Roberts, soph. F
KEY NEWCOMERS: Bailey Britton, fr. D; Abi Baran, soph. M; Jensen O’Brien, soph. G/F; Lilah Moore, fr. G; Ella Page, fr. D/M
OUTLOOK / NOTABLES / COACHES COMMENTS: One of the FML’s most successful programs over the past 25 years, Fenton dipped in 2022 during a major rebuilding year and now has a new coaching staff. Longtime coach Matt Sullivan retired after leading the Tigers to several league titles, district championships, three regional crowns, three Final Four appearances and one state runner-up showing.
SCHOOL: Flushing
HEAD COACH: Bob Peterson
2022 OVERALL RECORD / LEAGUE RECORD / LEAGUE FINISH: 13-6-2, 9-2-0 FML (third)
2022 STATE TOURNAMENT RESULTS: Def. Lapeer (4-0); lost to Lake Orion (2-0) in D-1 district semifinals
STATE CHAMPIONSHIP SEASONS: None
STATE RUNNER-UP SEASONS: None
FINAL FOUR-REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP SEASONS: 2001
RETURNING STARTERS: Sam Youmans, jr. (All-League First Team); Aby Burnash, jr. (All-League Second Team); Amy Esterdahl, sr. (All-League Second Team); Alexis Woodbeck, soph. (All-League Third Team); Reagan McBride, jr.; Anna Hough, soph.
OTHER KEY RETURNEES:
KEY NEWCOMERS:
OUTLOOK / NOTABLES / COACHES COMMENTS: Despite returning six key players from a squad that finished third in the FML last season, the Raiders have started slow to the tune of 1-3-0 this season. Flushing has also been outscored 16-10 so far this season, although they are 1-1-0 in league play and narrowly lost to defending conference champion Linden (2-1)
SCHOOL: Goodrich
HEAD COACH: Joshua Back
2022 OVERALL RECORD / LEAGUE RECORD / LEAGUE FINISH: 9-9-3, 5-4-2 FML (sixth)
2022 STATE TOURNAMENT RESULTS: Def. Flint Carman-Ainsworth (8-0); def. Imlay City (5-1); def. Clio (3-0) in D-2 district finals; lost to Haslett (5-1) in D-2 regional semifinals
STATE CHAMPIONSHIP SEASONS: None
STATE RUNNER-UP SEASONS: None
RETURNING STARTERS: Clare Kowalczyk, jr. D (All-State Honorable Mention, All-League First Team); Emma Perry, sr. (All-League Second Team); Addyson West, soph.
OTHER KEY RETURNEES:
KEY NEWCOMERS:
OUTLOOK / NOTABLES / COACHES COMMENTS: Despite finishing sixth out of 12 teams in the FML last season, Goodrich put it all together to capture a district crown last season. The Martians are off to a slow 0-4-1 start and have yet to score a goal this season. The only bright spot was a 0-0 draw recently with Lake Fenton. The four losses were all to D-1 schools.
SCHOOL: Holly
HEAD COACH: Darius Reynolds
2022 OVERALL RECORD / LEAGUE RECORD / LEAGUE FINISH: 3-11-1, 2-8-1 FML (tied-ninth)
2022 STATE TOURNAMENT RESULTS: Lost in Auburn Hills Avondale (1-0) in D-2 pre-district
STATE CHAMPIONSHIP SEASONS: None
STATE RUNNER-UP SEASONS: None
RETURNING STARTERS: Abbie Hill, soph.; Hannah Lee, soph.; Grace Kubiak, sr. G; Olivia Cirino, jr. M
OTHER KEY RETURNEES:
KEY NEWCOMERS: Holly Rees, fr. F
OUTLOOK / NOTABLES / COACHES COMMENTS: Hovering at or below the five-hundred mark the last few years, Holly looks to climb a few rungs in the FML standings this season with a young team but some promising young talent. The Bronchos are off to a 2-1-1 start with the only loss coming with a 76th-minute goal against West Bloomfield (1-0). Holly also defeated Fenton (1-0) for the first time in over a decade and also defeated Birch Run (3-1).
SCHOOL: Lake Fenton
HEAD COACH: Evan Ghoujeghi
2022 OVERALL RECORD / LEAGUE RECORD / LEAGUE FINISH: 12-4-1, 9-1-1 FML (second)
2022 STATE TOURNAMENT RESULTS: Def. Fenton (2-1); lost to Linden (4-0) in D-2 district finals
STATE CHAMPIONSHIP SEASONS: None
STATE RUNNER-UP SEASONS: None
RETURNING STARTERS: Savanah Reese, sr. F (All-State Honorable Mention, All-League First Team); Shelby DeRidder, sr. D (All-State Honorable Mention, All-League First Team); Makenna Dreyer, sr. (All-League Second Team); Savannah Fellenbaum, jr. (All-League Second Team); Jaidyn Rainney, jr. (All-League Third Team); Addison Reitano, soph.; Emerson Baker, soph.
OTHER KEY RETURNEES:
KEY NEWCOMERS:
OUTLOOK / NOTABLES / COACHES COMMENTS:
SCHOOL: Ortonville Brandon
HEAD COACH: Rich Puleo
2022 OVERALL RECORD / LEAGUE RECORD / LEAGUE FINISH: 9-8-2, 5-6-0 FML (eighth)
2022 STATE TOURNAMENT RESULTS: Lost to Fenton (2-0) in D-2 pre-district
STATE CHAMPIONSHIP SEASONS: None
STATE RUNNER-UP SEASONS: None
RETURNING STARTERS (positions unavailable): Isabelle Hearns, sr. (All-League Second Team); Eleonor Cox, sr. (All-League Third Team); Makenna Smith, jr. (All-League Third Team); Emily Bourn, jr.; Kylie Frantz, sr.
OTHER KEY RETURNEES: Lyndsy Claxton, jr.; Alexis Dean, jr.; Grace Hylton, jr.; Josie Martin-Granlund, sr.; Hannah Puleo, jr.; Myah Rizzo, sr.
KEY NEWCOMERS: Reilyn McKinney, soph.; Kaylee Nichols, soph.; Annabella Trovato, fr.; Stella Zielske, fr.
OUTLOOK / NOTABLES / COACHES COMMENTS: After finishing around five-hundred and back in eighth place in the FML a year ago, Brandon is off to a 3-1-0 start in 2023. There are five players that earned either first-, second-, or third-team all-league or honorable-mention all-league last season. The Blackhawks have outscored the opposition 15-10 thus far with wins over Otisville-LakeVille (8-0), Clio (4-0) and Flint Kearsley (3-1). The lone setback coming against Division 3 top-10 Flint Powers Catholic (6-0).
SCHOOL: Owosso
HEAD COACH: Chris Bird
2022 OVERALL RECORD / LEAGUE RECORD / LEAGUE FINISH: 4-14-0, 1-10-0 FML (11th)
2022 STATE TOURNAMENT RESULTS: Lost to Swartz Creek (4-1) in a D-2 pre-districts
STATE CHAMPIONSHIP SEASONS: None
STATE RUNNER-UP SEASONS: None
RETURNING STARTERS:
OTHER KEY RETURNEES:
KEY NEWCOMERS:
OUTLOOK / NOTABLES / COACHES COMMENTS: Since joining the FML less than a decade ago, Owosso has routinely finished in the bottom half of the FML. The school has never benefitted from large amount of high-level club players in boys soccer and girls soccer. So far this season the Trojans have started 0-2-0 with a couple of games postponed as well. There are no players back that received any type of all-league recognition for Owosso last season.
SCHOOL: Swartz Creek
HEAD COACH: Chris Reid
2022 OVERALL RECORD / LEAGUE RECORD / LEAGUE FINISH: 11-8-1, 6-3-1 FML (fourth)
2022 STATE TOURNAMENT RESULTS: Def. Owosso (4-1); lost to Haslett (8-0) in D-2 district semifinals
STATE CHAMPIONSHIP SEASONS: None
STATE RUNNER-UP SEASONS: None
RETURNING STARTERS: McKenzie Sexton, jr. F (All-League Second Team); Adrienne Walker, jr. M (All-League Third Team); Emma Corneau, jr.; Josie Morris, soph.
OTHER KEY RETURNEES:
KEY NEWCOMERS:
OUTLOOK / NOTABLES / COACHES COMMENTS: Over the past decade, Swartz Creek has become much more competitive in girls soccer thanks to an increased number of club soccer kids coming up through the program. Last year the Dragons were three games over five-hundred and finished fourth out of 12 schools in the FML. Swartz Creek is 4-2-0 to begin the season with clean sheets against Durand (8-0), Clio (7-0), Frankenmuth (2-0) and Saginaw Heritage (2-0) with losses coming against state-ranked Flint Powers Catholic (3-0) and Lapeer (3-0).
