When the final buzzer sounds on an athlete’s season, emotions run high. Reminiscing on the good times and bad often in an instant, one may drum up a sense of accomplishment on the year while at the same time regret that season has come to a close.
In the heat of the moment, the Kitsap News Group Sportswriters have collected the following all-county list to recap the best of the best from the 2006 soccer season. Led by South Kitsap coach Scott Sordoff, the All-Kitsap News Group team is an eclectic mix of desire, determination and talent.
Shannon White, F, Olympic — The Trojan senior co-captain went out with a bang for the 2006 Olympic League champions, scoring 21 goals to lead the Trojans’ offensive explosion. She was also more than adequate in helping out the team, shifting to the midfield when needed and dishing out five assists. White finished her career with 41 goals over the past three seasons.
Jacki Hill, F, Bremerton — Hill was the Knights’ leading goal scorer on a squad that put 43 goals in the net this year. Hill possesses blazing speed and is arguably the fastest player in the Olympic League.
Naomie Abad, MF, Bremerton — Abad’s fancy footwork was a major reason why the Bremerton Knights soccer squad set the school record for victories. She was essentially the quarterback of the offense, setting up forwards Sarah Gross and Jacki Hill with picture perfect passes all season long. Abad was the clear cut leader of the Knights in 2006.
Liz Curry, MF, Olympic — Curry showed just why she was the team’s most valuable player on the pitch this season, scoring 10 goals to help fuel the Olympic League champion Trojans. But her real assets were in how much better she made her teammates, evidenced by her team-leading 13 assists. Just a junior, Curry will have another season to help continue the Trojans’ turnaround.
Stephanie Skelly, MF, North Kitsap — Skelly, a junior, was in large part the engine of the Viking team. She oiled the offensive transition from the backfield to the front while taking most of NK’s opponent’s attention with nimble footwork and clear field vision. She contributed nine goals and two assists on the season.
Kim Kummer, MF, Central Kitsap — Coming through in the clutch on numerous occasions, Kummer was the leader of a strong CK senior class. While she stood out with a team-high nine goals with three assists, CK’s field general will best be remembered for showing up right before CK’s shootout playoff battle with Wilson due to the ACT, only to drill her shot into the back of the net.
Sarah Milne, D, South Kitsap — A tenacious defender that was part of a team that posted nine shutouts and allowed just 14 goals all year in advancing to the West Central District Tournament. Just a junior, the very quick and very tough Milne was a disruption to opposing offenses all year long.
Jennifer Smalley, D, Bremerton — Aggressive play always is a key to success in soccer, especially on the defensive side of the field. Smalley was a vital cog in a defense that only allowed 15 goals in 2006.
Candyce Eaton, D, North Kitsap — Making the switch from her natural forward position to the very back line of the defense in her senior year, Eaton was an instrumental and pivotal piece of the consistent Viking protection this season. For her efforts, including just one goal on the season, Eaton was named team MVP.
Kaliegh Westermann, D, South Kitsap — Her size and strength are well known around the Narrows League as is her aggressive nature. The junior scored twice as a defender and was the Wolves main stopper throughout the year, helping a defense that allowed just 14 goals in 16 games.
Pepper Fanua, GK, Olympic — The most athletic of Kitsap County’s many talented goalies, Fanua used her strength and versatility to shut down opponents during Olympic’s run to the league title. While the fact she allowed just eight goals all season is impressive, she allowed only four during Oly’s 14-0 league run. As if that wasn’t enough, she also racked up 10 shutouts for the Trojans as just a sophomore.
Scott Sodorff, coach, South Kitsap – After a slow start, the first-year varsity coach got his team in prime position to make another state run. Sodorff found the right balance between veteran players and newbies to finish third in the newly revamped Narrows League and just a game short of the state playoffs.
Honorable mentions
CJ Balstad, South Kitsap
Luci Bocklie, Bremerton
Kate Boyd, Central Kitsap
Siara Byers, North Kitsap – As a freshman on the varsity pitch, Byers earned her spot in the North Kitsap front field and produced six goals and three assists on the season.
Madeline Johnson, King’s West
Sarah Dawson, Klahowya
Sarah Gross, Bremerton
Rachel Haas, Olympic
Brandi Hamre, Central Kitsap
Jennie Hoogestraat, Olympic
Brenna Lander, North Kitsap – The senior was again the energizer for North in 2006 as she scored five goals and doled out nine assists. But as the Vikings entered the playoffs, Lander exited with an injury.
Kelsey Penn, South Kitsap
Caitlyn Salo, Bainbridge
Rachel Smith, King’s West
Anna Stewart, Klahowya
Ashley Waplinger, Bainbridge
