Charleston – The Porter-Gaud girls soccer program ruled the upper levels of SCISA from 2017-19. Coach Hope Walters feels the 2024 squad can return the program to the top of class AAAA.
Porter-Gaud made a run at the state title last season, losing to area and region rival Pinewood Prep in overtime in the state championship battle. Walters did not have a senior on last year’s roster and returns a veteran group this spring.
“It finally feels like we have a championship-level team again this season,” Walters said. “Not only do we have a ton of talent and experience, but the team has been working extremely hard to be as good as they can be. We are stronger physically and we are mentally tough. It’s a special group. I can’t wait to see how we do. The potential to win a state championship is definitely with this group.”
Walters says this year’s team should be quite balanced and solid at all levels of the playing field. Back to anchor the back line of defense is junior centerback Anna Davis, who Walters calls the leader of the back.
Senior captain Anna Kahn returns as a center midfielder and is a consistent threat as a goal scorer. The top offensive threat figures to be sophomore forward Zoe Molten, who scored four goals in a season-opening win over Goose Creek.
“She’s a talented offensive player and a tremendous goal scorer,” Walters said of Molten.
Another senior leader will be co-captain Sarah Kuhl. Junior Oceania Schaay will be a new starter in goal this season.
Other returning members from last year’s team include junior Kathryn Brisson, sophomore Rory Peterson, senior Kaitlin Gregoire, senior Renny Miles, sophomore Ellie Holzer, junior Claire Trowbridge, junior Sarah Oswald, junior Zacora Ascue, senior Windland Jaimes, sophomore Spencer Hostetter, sophomore Ellison Hostetter, senior Margaret Smith, sophomore Charlotte Thompson and sophomore Lily Snider.
Newcomers to the varsity roster this spring include Sasha Stuart, Mary Margaret Hagood and Gracie McCabe.
Porter-Gaud opened the season with three wins in a preseason tournament and a regular season win over Goose Creek.
Walters has stressed to her team the importance of focus and intensity in every practice and in every game, regardless of opponent. If her team can do that, big things will happen.
“It has the potential to be a special season,” the coach said. “We have to worry about us, about being the best that we can be every day. We have been building for this season for the last four years so it’s time to see if we can take the next step.”
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