Girls Soccer

2024 Season Review

The girls soccer team spent the early part of their season adjusting formations and finding how to organize their lineup to bring about the most success. They played in a variety of formations and players took on a number of different positions, and they finally hit their stride about halfway through the season. They made a deep run in the Marion County Tournament, as well as a deep run into the state tournament. The Royals were ranked in the top 10 for 2A girls soccer across the state, and they were also members of the Elite Eight.  Varsity finished 11-8-2, scoring 74 goals and earning 9 shutouts. An impressive note, they only scored 32 goals as a team last season. The season’s schedule featured nine ranked teams between 1A, 2A and 3A. 

This young team stepped up to the challenge and played against some steep competition. They had a nail-biting, 1-1 tie against Cathedral that truly changed the mentality of the team. It was in this game that the girls proved to themselves that they were capable of competing with the top teams and that they were a threat in 2A. The Royals swept the sectional bracket without conceding a goal, and every player on the sectional roster earned solid minutes in the postseason tournament.  Of the 19 field players, 12 found the back of the net, and eight different players registered at least one assist this season. 

Senior Summer Fishel had a breakout season scoring 36 goals and breaking the single-season school record. Additionally, she broke the career goal record with 70 goals, and this is with missing her entire junior season due to injury. This earned her the title of MVP, along with a number of additional accolades: ISCA 1st Team All-District, 2024 All-American, ISCA Academic All-State, All County, All-Circle City Conference, 1st Team All-State and Regional All-American. She was also selected to play in the East vs West Game. 

Joining Fishel with postseason recognition is senior Sophia Lewis. She earned ISCA 2nd Team All-District, All-County, All-Circle City Conference and ISCA Academic All-State. Senior Sophie Young-Neawedde was named ISCA Top Team Player, All-County and ISCA Academic All-State. Sophomore Demi Goss got All-County, and she earned the Roncalli Leadership Award. Junior Becca Engel received All- County and ISCA Academic All-State recognition. The following Lady Royals were recognized as ISCA Academic-All State, juniors Chelsy De La Cruz, Sammie Kegerreis and Micaiah Pierson, along with seniors Maria Paynter and Laylah Waugh, who also earned the Roncalli Mental Attitude Award. Senior Nathalie Grounds wrapped up the post-season awards, as she received Roncalli’s Sportsmanship Award. 

Coach Hersman said, “I am most proud of our Marion County run. We drew a tough path to the finals and played four games in six days. The girls played through varying field conditions and hurricane winds, but they earned the right to fight for a Marion County Championship. Although the final game didn’t give us the result we wanted, I am thrilled with how far we made it in the tournament.” She added, “The most memorable moment was hosting the first round of regionals though. The Royals had a dynamic crowd led by our parents, families, friends and students. The energy that night was contagious, and that is the first time in my eight years at Roncalli that we have made it past the first round of regionals. These ladies should be so proud of the season they had and it is such a joy to coach them!”