Athens experienced squad one step closer to soccer state finals return

TROY — Troy Athens girls soccer, like many schools, leans on their seniors to be the voice of the team’s culture and legacy to the underclassmen.

With four state titles, three runner-up finishes, and numerous regional and district titles, there’s an expectation that comes with putting on the red and white uniform, and the seniors understand their role in that.

That’s why, during their state finals run in 2021 that eventually ended in a runner-up finish, now-senior forward/defender Amanda Leonard said the seniors were exactly what she needed as an underclassman.

“The chemistry on the team was great,” Leonard said. “Our captains were super energetic teammates and leaders. They weren’t all people who played a ton, but they were people who brought the energy up.”

Now a team captain for the 2023 Athens squad, Leonard is forefronting a state finals run of her own alongside a talented and experienced group that is ready to make their return to the state finals.

Earning a 2-0 win over Utica Ford II June 2, Athens earned yet another district title trophy to add to an already impressive collection.

Senior Rebekah Delia tallied two goals in the win, while junior Ava Weeks and sophomore Ashley Miller combined for a shutout in net.

Athens has been dominant so far this tournament run, outsourcing opponents 18-1 in three games, and coach Todd Heugh said the team’s preparation is due to their difficult schedule each week competing in the Oakland Activities Association-Red conference.

“I really just think that if you can get through your league gauntlet with a competitive record, then you’re able to deal with anything that comes your way,” Heugh said.

Aside from their battle-tested mentality, Athens’ offense has been clicking all season behind sophomore Lauren DeJonckheere, who tallied 17 goals and nine assists on the year. Junior midfielder/forward Sydney McBride, a three-year varsity player, has been a consistent contributor as well on the offensive end.

But Heugh will admit himself that offense hasn’t been Athens’ tool to success this season largely due to the fact that the veteran-led backline has been imposing their will each game this season.

“I think, as a team, and not just our backline but our backline has a lot of experience because those girls have been playing together for a very long time, but our team defending is pretty good,” Heugh said. “We start defending in our front line.”

Led by three-year varsity players Nichole Russell, Hannah Dombrowski and Madison Bloom, who were all a part of the 2021 state finals team, Athens has collected 14 shutouts this season while allowing under a goal per game this year.

Like their showing against Ford II, Meeks and Miller have been equally impressive in net this season.

In the midst of the experienced backline has been one freshman who’s made her presence felt in a group of all-State worthy players — Abby Waldron.

“She’s really came in and made her mark, and she just keeps getting better and better every game the more comfortable she gets with the speed of the varsity game night in and night out and with the girls,” Heugh said.

While Athens has gotten comfortable not facing any OAA-Red rivals so far in this state tournament, a win June 6 against New Baltimore Anchor Bay in the regional semifinals would set them up with a regional finals matchup against the winner of Bloomfield Hills vs. Rochester Hills Stoney Creek.

Athens edged Bloomfield Hills 1-0 while dropping a 2-0 loss to Stoney Creek earlier this season, but will have to get through Anchor Bay first before any OAA-Red rivalry discussions can be had, for Athens tied Anchor Bay 1-1 to open their 2023 season.

The seniors know what’s expected, and they’re ready to continue the legacy and standard that has been set year after year at Athens soccer.

“We have a little talk at the beginning of districts where we look at all the banners that are hung in the gym from all the different years that we’ve won districts, regionals, or states,” Leonard said. “Yesterday, Todd (Heugh) was talking about the year that he won states and just the memories of that and the level that Athens has always been and that we always have a chance to continue that. I think that’s definitely a big driving factor in our work ethic and our motivation.”