OTTAWA KENT CONFERENCE WHITE DIVISION GIRLS SOCCER TEAM CAPSULES 2024Inbox

BY DAN STICKRADT

Communications Specialist | Web And Content Editor | Director of News |

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(Michigan Soccer Network Communications Specialist / Web and Content Editor / Director of News Dan Stickradt compiles team capsules for over 460 girls soccer programs statewide. Email pertinent information to stickradt@michigansoccernetwork.com. Follow on Twitter @msn_stickradt, @LocalSportsFans, or @MiSoccerNetwork and on numerous social media platforms.)

Competing Teams – Byron Center, East Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids Christian, Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central, Grand Rapids Forest Hills Northern, Grand Rapids Northview, Greenville, Lowell

SCHOOL: Byron Center

HEAD COACH: John Conlon, fifth season

2023 OVERALL AND LEAGUE RECORD/ FINISH: 14-4-4, 4-1-2 (second in regular season standings; fourth in conference tournament; third overall in final standings, 12 points)

2023 STATE TOURNAMENT RESULTS: Def. Wyoming 1-0); def. Rockford (3-0); def. Caledonia (1-0, district finals); lost in D-1 regional semifinals to Hudsonville (1-0)

RETURNING STARTERS: Claire VanZanten, sr. F (All-State Honorable Mention; All-League; 18 goals last season); Jordan Kearns, jr. M/D; McKenna Lang, sr. M/F; Emily Wray, jr. D; Kayla Roussey, jr. M; Addison Alexander, sr. M/F.

OTHER KEY RETURNEES: Bella Teller, sr. G; Jordyn Zimmer, jr. D; Lauren Van Hooren, sr. F; Lily Gould, jr. M; Makenna Lance, sr. F; Melanie Brougham, jr. D; Addison Gilpin, jr. D.

KEY NEWCOMERS: Ella Leyendecker, fr. F; Katelin Leifer, fr. G; Leah Willey, fr. F

NOTABLES/OUTLOOK/COACH’S QUOTE: Byron Center has become a real factor in recent years in the West Michigan soccer scene. The Bulldogs reached the Division 2 state semifinals in 2021 and last year captured a Division 1 district title in a very tough district to boot, taking down then-state-ranked Caledonia. They are coached by John Conlon, known for his five D-1 state championships and one state runner-up with East Kentwood’s boys soccer program and for grooming high level teams and players. Byron Center outscored the opposition 60-15 with 13 shutouts last season, including 12-1 with three clean sheets in four postseason games. This year the Bulldogs own a 9-3 scoring edge with wins over Muskegon Reeths-Puffer (5-0) and Grand Rapids Forest Hills Northern (3-1), a tie against Grandville (1-1) and a loss against D-2 third-ranked Richland-Gull Lake (1-0).

SCHOOL: East Grand Rapids

HEAD COACH: Jose Rodriques

2023 OVERALL AND LEAGUE RECORD/ FINISH: 18-3-3, 3-1-3 OKC-White (fourth in regular season standings; third in conference tournament; fourth overall in finals standings, 11 points)

2023 STATE TOURNAMENT RESULTS: Def. Allendale (3-0); def. Grand Rapids Christian (4-2, district finals); def. Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central (3-0, regional semifinals); def. Spring Lake (2-0, regional finals); def. Plainwell (2-1, state semifinals); lost in D-2 state finals to Grosse Pointe North (3-2, 2OT, SO)

RETURNING STARTERS: Gracie Lynn, soph. M (All-League, 22 goals); Reese Lynn, soph. M (All-League; 20 goals); Brecken Grashuis, jr. CB; Jori Mehney, jr. CB; Caitlin Brown, soph. D; Hendrika Maher, jr. F; Avery Leete, jr. F; Mollie Brandstadt, jr. M/F

OTHER KEY RETURNEES: Keila Gort, jr. F; Kersten Sykes, sr. F; Addison Behler, jr. D; Anna Kelsch, sr. D; Samantha Peot, sr. M; Priya Patra, jr. F; Jemma Doublestein, jr. D.

KEY NEWCOMERS: No players specified.

NOTABLES/OUTLOOK/COACH’S QUOTE: The Pioneers are definitely back in the spotlight. A state power in the early 2000s, East Grand Rapids made a return to the state’s elite after taking third in the OKC-White, winning district and regional titles and finishing as the Division 2 state runner-up. The Pioneers outscored its 24 foes 74-22 with 10 shutouts and could be equally as good this season. Only four players from the roster graduated. The Pioneers’ coaching staff were not coaches association members and their players did not earn All-District, All-Region or All-State in 2023. The Reese sophomore twins combined for 42 goals last season and are both high future NCAA Division I prospects and two of the top sophomores in the Midwest. There are eight returning starters and 15 returnees from the state runner-up roster.

SCHOOL: Grand Rapids Christian

HEAD COACH: Tim TerHaar

2023 OVERALL AND LEAGUE RECORD/ FINISH 10-8-3, 2-3-2 OKC-White (sixth in regular season standings; fifth in conference tournament; tied-fifth overall in finals standings, seven points)

2023 STATE TOURNAMENT RESULTS:

RETURNING STARTERS: Ella Wolters, sr. (All-League Honorable Mention); Julia Timmer, jr. M (All-League Honorable Mention); Natalie Gray, sr. M; Molly Hassenrik, jr. D; Annelise Kuiper, sr. G; Ally Schrotenboer, sr. M.

OTHER KEY RETURNEES: Ava Barton, jr., D; Lilah Poel, soph. D; Stella Sheldon, soph. F; Kaitlyn Trook, jr. M; Kate VandenBerg, jr. M; Audrey VanderHeide, sr. F; Lydia Ydenberg, soph. M.

KEY NEWCOMERS: Charley Hassenrik, fr. M; Ella Johnson, fr. M; Camilla White, fr. M (ODP National Team 2009); Zuly Lathouwers, fr. D; Megan Leech, fr. M.

NOTABLES/OUTLOOK/COACH’S QUOTE: The Eagles welcome in a quality freshmen group of five to go along with a core of 13 returnees. Grand Rapids Christian should be an improved bunch this season, although young with the three sophomores to go with the five aforementioned freshmen players. This team is 3-2-0 to start the year, unranked with an 11-10 scoring edge and two shutouts. Last year the Eagles were outscored 45-44 with just four shutouts. TerHaar has had tremendous success as a head coach, leading Grandville Calvin Christian to four state titles.

SCHOOL: Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central

HEAD COACH: Ashley Ludke

2023 OVERALL AND LEAGUE RECORD/ FINISH 12-6-3, 4-2-1 OKC-White (third in regular season standings; first in conference tournament; second overall in finals standings, 14 points)

2023 STATE TOURNAMENT RESULTS:

RETURNING STARTERS: Haley Ward, sr. F (All-State Third Team; All-League; unsigned); Sydney Ryan, sr. M (All-State Third Team; All-League); Lauren Coon, jr. D (All-State Honorable Mention; (All-League Honorable Mention); Ayla Thompson, sr. M (All-League; signed with NAIA Spring Arbor); Lauren Coon, jr. D (ACL out for year); Gigi Sinicrope, sr. D (All-League Honorable Mention); Abby Busch, sr. CB; Tessa Grooters, jr. D/F; Audrey Leestma, soph.; Addison Reuter, jr. G;

OTHER KEY RETURNEES: Ava Tyrell, jr. M; Abby Cole, soph. M/D; Lauren Roth, sr.; Zariah Knuff, sr. G; Lauren Coon, jr.; Maya Sneider, sr.; Josie Crosse, sr. F.

KEY NEWCOMERS: Violet Belsito, fr. CB; Brooklyn Reuter, fr. D; Isla Magers, fr. M; Sophia Haughey, fr.;

Jackie Fisher, fr.; Kathryn Campbell, fr.; Gretta Kriekard, jr. G/F; Clare Field, jr. M/F; Melena Messner, jr. D/F

NOTABLES/OUTLOOK/COACH’S QUOTE: Owners of five state championships since the early 2000s, the Rangers never seem to go too far away from the top teams in the state. This year will be no exception. With a bevy of talent returning and six freshmen that made the varsity roster, this team has talent all over the field and depth. Forest Hills Central started the year 4-0-1 which includes a 1-1 draw with D-1 top-ranked Hudsonville and shutout wins over Grandville, Jenison, Caledonia and Grand Rapids Christian. The Rangers have outscored their opposition 12-1 through April 13. Last year the Rangers outscored their opposition 65-25 with eight clean sheets, finished second in the OKC-White and captured a district crown. And perhaps this team is even better. Last year Lowell put up some quality numbers, outscoring the opposition 50-29 with seven shutouts.

SCHOOL: Grand Rapids Forest Hills Northern

HEAD COACH: Juan Torres

2023 OVERALL AND LEAGUE RECORD/ FINISH: 12-4-3, 5-0-2 OKC-White (first in regular season standings; second in conference tournament; first overall in finals standings, 15 points)

2023 STATE TOURNAMENT RESULTS:

RETURNING STARTERS: Auden Stauffer, jr. F (All-State Third Team; All-League; committed to NCAA Division I Central Michigan University); Anna Frost, sr. D (All-League Honorable Mention; signed with NCAA Division III Salem State University); Mae Doyle, jr. M (All-League, All-District); Ava Johnson, sr. F; Evie Brown, jr. M.

OTHER KEY RETURNEES: Layne Sietsema, sr. M; Emma O’Connor, soph. D; Addie Johnson, soph. D.

KEY NEWCOMERS: Lexi Smith, soph. F; Sydney Goldman, soph. G; Anna Thelen, sr. D (signed with NCAA Division II Ferris State University; did not play high school last season, only ECNL with Midwest United).

NOTABLES/OUTLOOK/COACH’S QUOTE: The defending OKC-White champions were shut out only once last season, and it came at a crucial time in the D-2 district finals against rival Grand Rapids Forest hills Central. Overall, the Huskies won 12 games, spent some time in the rankings, outscored the opposition 70-21 with eight shutouts, and were a quality opponent throughout the campaign. So far this season has been a mixed bag of results with wins over Holland West Ottawa, Cedar Springs and Grand Rapids Catholic Central while suffering defeats by Byron Center and Rockford. Once the gauntlet of the OKC-White really kicks in followed by the conference tournament and state tournament, we’ll know if this team has what it takes for a deep run or at least to be able to defend its conference crown. Forest Hills Central, Byron Center and East Grand Rapids appear to be solid again this season.

SCHOOL: Grand Rapids Northview

HEAD COACH: Mark Van Slooten

2023 OVERALL AND LEAGUE RECORD/ FINISH: 5-12-1, 1-6-0 OKC-White (seventh in regular season standings; seventh in conference tournament; seventh overall in finals standings, four points)

2023 STATE TOURNAMENT RESULTS:

RETURNING STARTERS: No players specified.

OTHER KEY RETURNEES: Isabella Bowman, sr. D/M; Kelly Burke, jr. F; Skylar Denyes, jr. G; Ella Douglas, soph. F; Delaney Hendricks, sr. F; Ashley Hudgens, sr. M/D; K’Lyn Potts, sr. M/F; Lillian Toole, soph. M.

KEY NEWCOMERS: Cora Combs, fr.; Elianna Combs, fr.; Jenna Hamed, fr.; Emily Hilty, soph.; Jemmimah Ichami, soph.; Jaelynn Pospiech, soph.

NOTABLES/OUTLOOK/COACH’S QUOTE: Northview has been somewhat quiet in recent years in terms of state-wide success and only won five games last season in a rebuilding campaign. The Wildcats recorded five shutouts but were outscored 39-28 on the season and shut out nine times. So far this season Northview has two shutouts in a 2-2-0 start but have been outscored 16-4. There are only eight returnees and the roster is young with three freshmen and five freshmen gaining valuable minutes.

SCHOOL: Greenville

HEAD COACH: Joe Reisner

2023 OVERALL AND LEAGUE RECORD/ FINISH: 5-16-0, 0-7-0 OKC-White (fourth in regular season standings; third in conference tournament; fourth overall in finals standings, 11 points)

2023 STATE TOURNAMENT RESULTS: Def. Ionia (3-0); lost in D-2 district semifinals to Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central (13-0)

RETURNING STARTERS: Sophie Dykstra, sr.; Jayden Gibbons, jr.; Ava Lamar, soph.; Alexa Leon, sr.; Nora Longest, sr.; Elizabeth Myers, jr.; Madisyn Miller, jr.; Jazmyn Nummer, sr.; Alexandra Petersen, jr.; Caylin Petersen, jr.; Ruby Rockburn, sr.; Lilyan Workman, sr.

OTHER KEY RETURNEES: Alyx Bazan, sr.; Hannah Betten, jr.; Kendall Crawford, jr.; Olivia Dykstra, sr.; Ava Lee, soph.

KEY NEWCOMERS: No list submitted.

NOTABLES/OUTLOOK/COACH’S QUOTE: While Greenville competes at a high level in certain sports, its boys soccer and girls soccer teams have struggled somewhat in recent years on the pitch because the Yellowjackets don’t inherit as many high-level club players on their rosters as some of the powerhouse schools down in the Grand Rapids-Muskegon-Holland areas. The numbers kind of back that up. While Greenville did post five shutouts last season, in contrast it was shut out 13 times and outscored 110-23 over 21 games. The six-division OKC is going through some realignment studies so Greenville could be a school that sees movement in the conference or stays put in the OKC-White.

SCHOOL: Lowell

HEAD COACH: Joe Woodruff, third season

2023 OVERALL AND LEAGUE RECORD/ FINISH: 8-6-5, 2-3-2 OKC-White (sixth in regular season standings; sixth in conference tournament; tied-fifth overall in finals standings, seven points)

2023 STATE TOURNAMENT RESULTS: Lost in D-2 pre-districts to Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central (5-0)

RETURNING STARTERS: RJ Wagamon, jr. F (All-State Third Team); Aubree Lee, sr. G (All-State Honorable Mention; All-League); Gracyn Hamilton, jr. M; Alyse Miles, jr. M; Carmen Mika, sr. M; Lauren Malone, sr. M; Olivia Blood, soph. D

OTHER KEY RETURNEES: Grace Simkins, sr. D; Reese Carpenter, sr. D; Ashley Powell, sr. M.

KEY NEWCOMERS: Julia Kinsley, soph. F; Lauren Seevers, soph. M; Abby Tuuri, soph. M; Lauren Malone, sr. M; Hannah Ake, fr. F

NOTABLES/OUTLOOK/COACH’S QUOTE: Several coaches in the OKC pit Lowell as an up-and-coming program in the mega league and will be a tough opponent in 2024. Last year the Red Arrows brough back 16 players and they finished above five-hundred at 8-6-5. With 10 returnees, including two All-State players, the Red Arrows hope to continue to climb up the charts.

(MSN will compile a random sampling of game results from around the state each day. To send in results from high school varsity, club, amateur, pre-pro, semi-pro or professional soccer, email all pertinent details to Communications Specialist / Web and Content Editor / Director of News Dan Stickradt at stickradt@michigansoccernetwork.com.)

(Have a story suggestion for the Premier Media Group and the Michigan Soccer Network regarding club soccer, high school varsity, amateur soccer, collegiate soccer or professional soccer of teams or players with Michigan ties, contact Communications Specialist/Web and Content Editor/Director of News Dan Stickradt via email at stickradt@michigansoccernetwork.com, or call 248-884-1051. Dan Stickradt is a 31-year veteran of the Michigan Media circles and recently joined the staff full time in March of 2024. Want to schedule a broadcast game or live show, contact PMG/MSN Director of Broadcasting Jonathan Turner for availability and pricing at jonathan@michigansoccernetwork.com.)