Tag Archive for: High School Soccer

BICKERSTAFF BECOMING A LEGEND

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GOTTA BOAST ABOUT YOST

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NILES, OH—Maddie Yost, a standout soccer player from Niles and member of the SVA soccer team, is gearing up for her first national trip to Denver—a journey seasoned teammates are already familiar with. In a recent interview on YSN, Yost shared her excitement about joining the accomplished squad heading to the Mile High City, following in the footsteps of a team that claimed a national championship there two years ago.

Yost’s journey with SVA began at age six or seven, initially unsure about her commitment before soon falling in love with the sport. She credits the “strong bond” with her teammates and the influence of coach Greg Mitchell for keeping her passion alive over the years. “It’s just a great atmosphere overall,” Yost said. Although she missed the team’s last Denver trip, Yost is looking forward to stepping into a high-level competition, led by teammates’ support and advice about the unique challenges—like Denver’s high altitude. “We’ve been wearing altitude masks for the last month while conditioning,” she explained, noting the hard work required to prepare.

For Yost, the Denver experience is about more than just soccer. She’s excited to explore the city, mentioning plans for rafting and sightseeing with teammates. Off the field, she enjoys relaxing at home, especially by the pool—a rare break from the family’s busy sports schedule. As she looks ahead, Yost aspires to play college soccer and is considering a career in the medical field. She’s searching for a college program with strong team chemistry and a welcoming environment. “I just love the sport of soccer,” Yost reflected, crediting her passion for keeping her motivated through tough practices and busy days. Yost was quick to thank her support system—her parents, coaches Scott McMillan and Greg Mitchell—for helping her reach this point. With her sights set on the upcoming national championship, she’s ready to represent Niles and SVA on the biggest stage yet.

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NO ONE BETTER THAN JORDYN

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Youngstown, OH – In an exciting run for local girls soccer, Ursuline High School senior Jordyn Miller is set to help lead her SVA (Soccer Vision Academy) team to the national stage in Denver, Colorado. In a recent interview on YSN, Miller described the journey as “really exciting,” citing the hard work and team camaraderie that pushed SVA through rigorous club competitions. Miller, who balances play for both club and school, credits her high school’s strong family atmosphere and support system for helping her excel. “I think it’s really cool to bring that to SVA, build really good bonds, and represent both my club and high school,” she said. The SVA roster—made up almost exclusively of top local talent—features a blend of returning athletes and new faces experiencing national-level play for the first time. Miller said, “It’s great giving everyone the opportunity. We’ve all built really good bonds together.”

Looking ahead, Miller hopes to play college soccer while pursuing a degree in pediatric occupational therapy and a minor in exercise science. She has been inspired not only by her teammates and coaches but also by working with younger girls at soccer camps. As she steps into her senior year at Ursuline, Miller credits her leadership growth to her experience on the SVA squad, noting, “Trying to be a leader as much as I can on SVA will help prepare me to be a leader at Ursuline also.” Coach Mitchell, a key influence, has taught Miller the importance of hard work and supporting teammates—lessons she plans to carry forward both on and off the field. As the SVA team heads to Denver, Miller hopes to add another chapter to Youngstown’s success story and inspire the next generation of soccer stars.

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KNOSKE KNOWS BEST

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WARREN OH-  YSN’s latest player profile spotlights Grayson Knoske, a key player for the SVA soccer team heading once again to the Denver Nationals. Interviewed by Anthony Hartwig, Knoske shared her excitement and perspective as the almost exclusively YSN-alumni squad prepares to compete in one of youth soccer’s most prestigious tournamentsFor Knoske and her teammates, this isn’t their first trip to Denver. Reflecting on their earlier appearance, Knoske said, “We’re all older, so… the competition overall is going to be more difficult, and that’s something we really need to work through.” She acknowledged that their previous victory puts a target on their backs, but the team remains grounded. “Just because we won in 2023 doesn’t mean we should come in with that mentality that we’re going to win, because you can never promise that,” Knoske noted.

Team bonding has been crucial in their journey. Knoske highlighted off-field activities in Denver, especially shopping and sightseeing, as ways the team builds camaraderie: “I think our whole team loves shopping. It’s nice for us to all, like, just go out and be girls for a little bit and not play soccer.” On the field, Knoske has embraced her evolving role as a leader, adapting to new positions and focusing on improving communication with her teammates. She credits the team’s close-knit dynamic and local talent as major strengths, saying, “All our girls are so close, and coming together to show our talent is really special to all of us.”

The SVA squad’s preparation has even included altitude training with specialized masks, as they get ready for the unique conditions in Denver. Knoske explained, “We’re kind of taking it more seriously and going on runs by ourselves… we’re expecting it a little bit more.” Asked what she loves most about soccer, Knoske said, “I love the competitiveness. I feel like for me, I never get bored on the field.” Knoske also expressed deep appreciation for her coach, Greg, and thanked the local community and her parents for their ongoing support. As the team heads to Denver, their blend of experience, humility, and unity will be their greatest assets in the quest for another national title.

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DORAN ROCKS ON THE BIG STAGE

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CORTLAND OH- Lakeview senior MaKenna Doran has made her college dreams official, recently announcing her commitment to PennWest Clarion for soccer. Doran shared the news on the latest YSN player profile, reflecting on the immediate connection she felt with the campus and team.

“It’s probably the best decision I’ve ever made in my whole entire life because all the girls were so welcoming to me, and it automatically felt like home,” Doran said. The standout athlete noted that Clarion’s impressive facilities and strong team chemistry helped seal the deal. With her college decision made, Doran enters her senior year relieved of recruiting pressures. “Now stepping into my senior season, I’m really excited… I know I can actually play my game,” she said, explaining how she can now focus more on enjoying her final high school season and supporting her teammates.

But Doran isn’t just celebrating her college commitment — she’s also gearing up for her second trip with her SVA club team to the national tournament in Denver, Colorado. The team returns as defending champions. “Hopefully people will be scared of us because we won nationals our first time,” Doran joked on the podcast. Preparation for the high-altitude competition includes rigorous conditioning, using altitude masks and balancing practices alongside summer fun. Despite the hectic soccer schedule, Doran makes time for breaks—including her favorite vacations in the Outer Banks.

Looking forward, Doran is considering majors in business or radiology and values the flexibility and opportunities available at Clarion. She credits her strong support system, including family, coaches, and close friends Annabelle and Melee, for helping her reach this exciting chapter. With club nationals and her senior year ahead, MaKenna Doran is determined to make her last high school season her best yet—on and off the field.

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HUMPHREY HANDLES THE PRESSURE

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CORTLAND OH- Lakeview High School’s Annabelle Humphrey is making waves both locally and nationally as she and her teammates at SVA Soccer Academy prepare for their second consecutive trip to Denver, Colorado, for the national soccer championships. Speaking with YSN’s Anthony Hartwig, Annabelle talked about the heightened expectations and preparations this year, noting the challenge of defending their trophy amidst stiffer competition and the excitement of welcoming new players to the squad.

“Denver’s obviously way different than Ohio, especially with the altitude. We’ve all been training with altitude masks to prepare, which definitely makes it harder to breathe,” Humphrey explained. “It kind of motivates us that this is the next step. It’s going to be harder, but we want it.” The team is made up almost entirely of local YSN area players, which Annabelle says speaks volumes about the strength of the region’s soccer talent. “It shows that we have a great group of girls around us,” she reflected. “It’s very impressive.”

Aside from the intense training, the team is also busy fundraising for the trip, balancing practice with efforts to ensure every player can make the journey to nationals. Though soccer takes up much of her summer, Annabelle cherishes the chance to bond with her teammates—on and off the field. “It means a lot,” she said, emphasizing the lasting memories and friendships formed. Looking ahead, the high school senior is eager to continue her soccer career at the college level, hoping to study exercise science and maybe even coach one day. For now, she’s focused on finishing strong with her club and school teams. “Once you do high school, then you have one more club season and then you’re done,” she said. “It’s definitely preparing all of us for what’s coming next.” Annabelle was quick to thank her family, teammates, and coaches for their support, underscoring the collective effort behind her individual success. With Denver on the horizon, she’s ready for the challenge—proudly representing her school, academy, and local soccer community.

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VILLWOCK SET TO KICK IT AT JOHN CARROLL

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WARREN OH- Howland’s Gracie Villwock is taking her game to the next level, officially signing to continue her soccer career at John Carroll University. She plans to study exercise science and business while competing for the Blue Streaks.

Villwock leaves behind an impressive legacy at Howland. A senior captain, she was a key piece of two conference championship teams—winning outright as a sophomore and going undefeated her senior year. Her trophy case includes three straight first-team all-conference and all-district honors, plus a second-team all-district nod as a sophomore. She also earned the senior academic award. Over her career, Villwock racked up 114 points, scoring 45 goals and dishing out 24 assists.

POLAND WALKS OFF INTO THE REGIONAL FINALS

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RAVENNA OH- Poland soccer is having one memorable postseason in 2024. After their girls program advanced to the Regional Finals on Tuesday, their boys program earned a thrilling overtime win 3-2 over Field to get themselves in a Regional Final.

Xander Thornton was the main show in regulation for the Bulldogs.  He scored both oh Poland’s goals to make sure the match was tied 2-2 going to sudden death overtime.  At the 5:14 mark of the first overtime Dom Domico tried on the hero’s cape.  It fit perfectly as he found the back of the net to walk the Bulldogs off into the Regional Finals.

Andreas Tsikouris, Gabe Dearing, and Colin McBride each had assists in Poland’s three goals while the Bulldogs also totaled 5 saves in the net.

Poland advances to play Beachwood in the Regional Finals on Sunday at Niles High School. Kickoff is slated for 12:00.

LEOPARDS CAN’T OVERCOME BAY

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BOARDMAN OH- Louisville knew the regional semis against third-seeded Bay would be a grind. Facing tough odds, the Leopards came in hungry, scrapping hard as the underdogs, but ultimately fell 2-0 in a tight battle.

Bay cracked the scoreboard with 10:48 left in the first half, and Louisville held them there until the 20:10 mark in the second half when Bay punched in one more to make it 2-0.

With a strong finish to their season, Louisville wraps up a solid run at 11-5-2, leaving it all out on the field.

Game Photos Can Be Found HERE: https://ysn.smugmug.com/10-29-GS-louisville-bay/10-29-GS-louisville-bay/DCIM/104EOS1D

POLAND SOCCER SWEEPS CHAMPIONSHIP SATURDAY

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AVON LAKE OH- The Poland boys soccer squad kept the winning vibe alive, making it a championship sweep for the Bulldogs as both the boys and girls teams march on to regionals. The boys rolled past Chagrin Falls in a dominant 5-0 shutout to claim their trophy.

Andreas Tsikouris was on fire, netting a hat trick, while Jacob Hayes and Michael Hostal each added to the scoreline. Colin McBride dished out two assists, with Andreas and Skevos Tsikouris adding one each. The defense stayed rock-solid, racking up 10 saves to keep the shutout intact.

Up next, Poland heads to the regional semis to face Field on Wednesday at Ravenna, kicking off at 7:00.