Player of the Year

Tanith Beal, De Soto

Leading the Wildcats to the Class 4-1A state tournament for the second straight season, Beal was the biggest weapon on offense. The junior forward scored a team-best 20 goals and was more than just a scorer by dishing 13 assists on her way to earning first-team All-Frontier League honors.

Coach of the Year

Arlan Vomhof, Mill Valley

The Jaguars earned their first trip to the Class 5A state tournament since 2013, finishing in fourth place with an 18-3 record. With only four seniors, they advanced through the postseason with victories against Topeka Seaman and Shawnee Heights.

photo by: John Young

The 2016 Journal-World All-Area Girls Soccer team: top row from left, player of the year Tanith Beal, De Soto; Carson Drake, Lawrence; and Skylar Drum, Lawrence; second row from left, Maya Hodison, Free State; Amanda Martin, Tonganoxie; Erica Petry, Baldwin; and third row from left, Madison Plake, De Soto; Emma Yackley, Free State; and coach of the year Arlan Vomhof, Mill Valley.

First team

Carson Drake, Lawrence — After missing last season because of a hip injury, Drake returned to the field and was one of the big reasons the Lions had a 7-9 record, their most wins in seven years. Drake, who had three goals and seven assists, played multiple positions throughout the season, finishing as a sweeper.

Skylar Drum, Lawrence — A first-team All-Sunflower League selection, Drum used her speed and smarts to move past defenders in the attacking third of the field. Helping the Lions become stronger offensively, the junior forward led her team with 15 goals and six assists, which included five multi-goal games.

Haley Freeman, Mill Valley — Freeman was the driving force behind the Jaguars’ offense all season, equal parts scorer and distributor with 16 goals and 17 assists. The junior midfielder helped the Jaguars average more than four goals per game with her play-making ability.

Maya Hodison, Free State — The Firebirds allowed one goal or fewer in 13 of their final 15 games, and Hodison was a major reason for her team’s defensive success. Playing as a defensive midfielder, Hodison stopped offensive attacks with her footwork and strength.

Kacey Kinley, Mill Valley — Strong defense from Kinley was one of the big reasons the Jaguars only gave up nine goals during the regular season. The junior defender shut down opposing forwards, helping the Jaguars earn 10 shutouts. Kinley added five goals and three assists.

Amanda Martin, Tonganoxie — A junior midfielder, Martin was the biggest offensive threat for the Chieftains, ending the season with eight goals and eight assists. A first-team All-Kaw Valley League pick, Martin helped her team to five victories.

Erica Petry, Baldwin — An explosive forward signed to play at Johnson County Community College, Petry was dominant offensively with 23 goals and five assists. A first-team All-Frontier League pick, Petry was often marked by defenders and still created most of her team’s offense.

Madison Plake, De Soto — One of the top midfielders in the Frontier League, Plake is strong with the ball and sets up her teammates to make plays. The junior first-team all-league selection had 11 goals and seven assists, constantly helping the Wildcats keep the ball in their attacking third.

Emma Yackley, Free State — When the Firebirds looked for offense, they usually turned to Yackley to make a play. The freshman midfielder was among the team leaders with three goals and three assists, and she was strong defensively, helping the Firebirds to a 6-9-3 record.

Honorable mention

Bailey Billings, De Soto; Molly Bryant, Free State; Anna Chieu, Lawrence; Caitlin Countryman, Baldwin; Mallory Fredricks, Ottawa; Kaitlin Hall, Tonganoxie; Aly Hargrove, De Soto; Bailey Heffernon, Mill Valley; Tarah Phongsavath, De Soto; Mackenzie Price, Tonganoxie; Taylor Rogers, De Soto; Isabel Tiller, Baldwin; Amanda Wray, Ottawa.