The 2015 Journal-World All-Area Girls Soccer Team, top row from left: player of the year Aly Hargrove, De Soto; Tanith Beal, De Soto; Sophia Breedlove, Tonganoxie; Skylar Drum, Lawrence; Haley Freeman, Mill Valley; and Kacie Kinley, Mill Valley; bottom row, from left: Sierra McKinney, Baldwin; Erica Petry, Baldwin; Tarah Phongsavath, De Soto; Sabrea Platz, Free State; and coach of the year Jesse Smith, De Soto.

Player of the Year

Aly Hargrove, De Soto

Hargrove was the anchor of the Wildcats’ defense, which only allowed 14 goals in the regular season — the fewest in program history. The sophomore center back used her speed to close on opposing attackers and chase down the long ball. She also had strong positioning and good vision to clear the ball down field or keep possession with a pass to a teammate.

Coach of the Year

Jesse Smith, De Soto

Smith led the Wildcats to 14 wins, six losses and one tie, finishing fourth in the Class 4-3-2-1A state tournament, their best finish since taking third place in 2013. They beat Maranatha and Spring Hill in the postseason to punch their ticket to the state semifinals.

The 2015 Journal-World All-Area Girls Soccer Team, top row from left: player of the year Aly Hargrove, De Soto; Tanith Beal, De Soto; Sophia Breedlove, Tonganoxie; Skylar Drum, Lawrence; Haley Freeman, Mill Valley; and Kacie Kinley, Mill Valley; bottom row, from left: Sierra McKinney, Baldwin; Erica Petry, Baldwin; Tarah Phongsavath, De Soto; Sabrea Platz, Free State; and coach of the year Jesse Smith, De Soto.

First team

Tanith Beal, De Soto

The Wildcats’ sophomore forward scored a team-best 18 goals and added four assists using her explosiveness and quickness. Beal helped the Wildcats in the postseason, scoring the game-winner in a three-overtime victory against Spring Hill in the quarterfinals.

Sophia Breedlove, Tonganoxie

A second-team All-Kaw Valley League defender, Breedlove frustrated opposing attackers with her speed and smarts. In her final prep season, the THS senior helped her team to a 6-8-2 record.

Skylar Drum, Lawrence

Drum led the Lions with a team-high seven goals. The sophomore midfielder had the vision to see plays before they happened to create chances for herself and her teammates. When injuries struck LHS, Drum moved back to defense and was just as strong at stopping opposing attackers.

Haley Freeman, Mill Valley

Freeman led the Jaguars’ attack this season, scoring 30 goals and adding eight assists as a midfielder. She was one of three sophomores to earn first-team All-Kaw Valley League honors this season, as opponents respected her ball skills and ability to score from anywhere.

Kacie Kinley, Mill Valley

Although Kinley was a strong defender from midfield, the sophomore added nine goals and eight assists on offense. The sophomore second-team All-Kaw Valley League selection was a key part of her team’s 13-4-1 record.

Sierra McKinney, Baldwin

Not many soccer players can match McKinney’s strength with the ball, which helped her score a team-high 20 goals this season. The Baker University signee also helped her team by dropping back to midfield and defense when needed.

Erica Petry, Baldwin

The junior striker was quick enough to run past opposing defenses and create breakaway opportunities, scoring 16 goals for the Bulldogs this year. Her offense helped BHS to a 7-10 record this year.

Tarah Phongsavath, De Soto

The DHS sophomore started the season at center back but moved up to forward to help with the Wildcats’ attack. Phongsavath finished the season with five goals and four assists, making smart plays and using her speed to give opposing defenders headaches.

Sabrea Platz, Free State

Playing on a team that entered the season without much varsity experience, Platz led the Firebirds with her strong vision and ability to create offensive chances without much space. The sophomore wing-forward scored five goals and helped FSHS to a 6-10 record.

Honorable mention

Sydni Beeley, Free State; Keeli Billings, Lawrence; Maddie Butterfield, Mill Valley; Elaine Harris, Lawrence; Lindsey Hamner, Mill Valley; Allyson Hertig, Free State; Sydney Hookstra, Mill Valley; Reilly Malone, Bishop Seabury; Amanda Martin, Tonganoxie.