Jersey Shore Sports Insider 2024 Girls Soccer All-Freshmen Team and Freshman of the Year
This year’s freshman class was one of the most talented and deepest classes over the last few seasons. The 2028 class made an impact as soon as the season started, whether it was a goalie making a diving save or a forward scoring a game-winner. Not only was selecting this year’s Freshman of the Year a challenge, but selecting players for the All-Freshmen team was as well, with talented players being left off the list. Even though these choices can be debated, there is no debate that the future of the Shore Conference is in good hands.
Below is the Jersey Shore Sports Insider 2024 Freshman of the Year and All-Freshmen Team. The biggest factor when selecting this team was the impact they had on their team this season, but stats and overall skill were taken into consideration.
Freshman of the Year
Kennedy Wallace, St. John Vianney
Freshman Kennedy Wallace attacking Shore Regional’s defense. (Photo by Tom Smith)
Wallace was a freshman that made an impact as soon as she stepped on the pitch in her first game of her high school career. She scored her first of 10 goals on the season in her opening match against Jackson Memorial. Wallace also had six assists to go with her 10 goals on the season.
“Kennedy’s impact was instantly felt on the field for us,” SJV head coach Heather Bailey said. “She is a player that plays the game the right way. She is technically strong with the ball at her feet, sees the field well and is always a threat on the field to make a play on the offensive or defensive side of the ball.”
Wallace had a couple of big moments for the Lancers this season. In the Shore Conference Tournament group play, she scored the game’s lone goal in a 1-0 win over Manalapan to finish first in Group D and earn a first-round bye in the SCT. In the South Jersey Non-Public A quarterfinal round, Wallace scored the game’s first goal and her first state playoff goal against rival Red Bank Catholic.
“Kennedy’s growth during the season is one that as her coach you knew she would be able to more than hold her own on the varsity level because of her work ethic, her competitiveness and her skill level,” Bailey said. “She was challenged throughout the season but embraced that challenge and let her play show the type of high-level player she is.”
As a freshman, Wallace caused problems for opposing defenses with her ball control or her physical play. Her footwork allowed her to get by defenders and her strength prevented defenders from pushing her off the ball. If what the Shore Conference saw this season is just the start of what Wallace can do on the field, the future is bright for St. John Vianney.
“Kennedy’s future on the high school level is very bright,” Bailey said. “Kennedy loves the sport of soccer and she puts in a tremendous amount of time training to be the player that she is and she does not stop when it comes to wanting to be the best player that she can be. Her drive and competitiveness is what separates her from a lot of players and her high skill level is impressive for a freshman. I have no doubt that she will be a force in the Shore Conference for the years to come.”
2024 All-Freshman Team
Goalkeeper
Julianne Fiore, Middletown South (107 Saves, 10 Shutouts)
Freshman Julianna Fiore first start against Middletown North. (Photo by Eric Braun)
Honorable Mention:
Addison Frulio, Central
Emma Mastriano, Toms River East
Defenders
Cali Fecak, Central (1 goal)
Kylie Keating, Howell
Olivia Dolan, Brick Township (3 goals)
Samantha Cohen, Marlboro
Honorable Mention:
Grace Tansey, Point Boro
Kaylee Davis, Trinity Hall
Midfielders
Maddie Renna, Point Boro (12 goals, 11 assists)
Freshman Maddie Renna scored three goals against TRN in the SCT quarterfinal. (Photo by Tom Smith)
Riley Kapler, Middletown South (9 goals, 9 assists)
Freshman Riley Kapler scored the golden goal in her debut for Middletown South. (Photo by Eric Braun)
Brinley Reynolds, Southern (14 goals, 7 assists)
Freshman Brinley Reynolds scored the equalizer and game winner against Manchester. (Photo by Eric Braun)
Lexi Sinatra, Red Bank Catholic (3 goals, 3 assists)
Lexi Sinatra (right) jumps in celebration after scoring the golden goal against SJV. (Photo by Tom Smith)
Honorable Mention:
Zia Gold, Jackson Memorial
Mia Natale, Colts Neck
Forwards
Kennedy Wallace, St. John Vianney (10 goals, 6 assists)
Carina Szorosy, Raritan (14 goals, 5 assists)
Daniella Gordon, Toms River South (7 goals, 4 assists)
Grace Pauwels, Red Bank Catholic (2 goals, 2 assists)
Grace Pauwels moves the ball against Howell. (Photo by Tom Smith)
Honorable Mention:
Aylen Peters, Holmdel
Alison Espinoza, Freehold Boro
