The Metro League's Reigning Queens of the Pitch: A 2023 Season to Remember

Well, the dust has settled, hasn't it? And what a season it truly was for Metro League girls soccer in 2023. We saw breathtaking plays, fierce competition, and, honestly, some incredible talent on display. But as all good things must, the season wrapped up, bringing with it the much-anticipated — and, you could say, well-deserved — unveiling of the all-league teams, alongside the standout Coach and Player of the Year.

It's probably no surprise to anyone who followed the league closely that the Jesuit Crusaders, for once again, found themselves absolutely dominating the accolades. Their season was, to put it mildly, nothing short of remarkable, leaving an indelible mark on the scoreboard and, quite frankly, on the hearts of their fans.

Leading that charge, in a way that just made the game look effortless, was Josie Nealon from Jesuit. She was, without a doubt, a force on the field, a true maestro in midfield. Her vision, her control, her uncanny ability to be exactly where she needed to be — it all culminated in her being crowned the 2023 Metro League Player of the Year. A fitting tribute, wouldn't you agree, to a season of spectacular individual performance.

And behind every great team? A truly exceptional leader, a strategist, someone who knows how to harness all that raw talent. For Jesuit, that was Katie Peterson, who quite rightfully earned the title of 2023 Coach of the Year. Guiding her team to such a dominant run takes a special kind of dedication, a keen understanding of the game, and a knack for inspiring young athletes to reach their peak. She certainly has it.

When you look at the First Team All-Metro selections, it’s like a roll call of stars, with Jesuit's influence undeniable. Up front, the goal-scoring prowess was evident with Kate Ruckman and Audrey Johnson from Jesuit, joined by Southridge's formidable Abby Naughton. These forwards, honestly, kept defenses on their toes all season long.

The midfield, the engine room of any great soccer team, featured the Player of the Year herself, Josie Nealon, alongside fellow Crusader Amelia Gabarra. But let's not forget the crucial contributions from Reese O'Brien of Southridge and Sunset's Olivia Barham. These athletes truly controlled the flow of the game, dictating pace and creating opportunities.

Defensively, a solid backline is paramount, and the First Team selections showcased just that. Jesuit's Caitlin Scanlan and Sydney Johnson anchored their defense, with Southridge's Lauren Eiby and Westview's Ella Peat also earning well-deserved spots. And in goal, guarding the net with impressive tenacity, was Jesuit's Taylor Higa, a critical last line of defense.

Of course, the talent didn't stop there. The Second Team All-Metro selections highlighted even more incredible players who left their mark on the season. From Jesuit's Annika Retzlaff up front to Beaverton's Addison Westendorf and Mountainside's Sophia Satterwhite; to the midfield maestros like Jesuit's Alex Buck, Beaverton's Sydney Brey, Southridge's Alex Shaver, and Westview's Rylee Bagdadi. On defense, we saw Kendall Williams from Jesuit, Mountainside's Kendall Miller, Sunset's Olivia Douthit, and Westview's Maddie Long. And protecting the goal for the Second Team, Grace Naughton from Southridge proved her mettle.

And yes, there were so many more talented individuals across the league, earning Honorable Mentions and showing us that the future of Metro League girls soccer is, in truth, incredibly bright. It was a season of highs, of fierce competition, and of moments that will surely be replayed in memories for quite some time. What a year for these dedicated athletes!