photo by: Carter Gaskins

Free State's Madi Beeley (3) tries to get around Lawrence High defender I’yawa Brewer (18) during Tuesday's 2-2 city showdown draw at LHS.

Free State and Lawrence High both had a pair of players land on the top-two teams when All-Sunflower League selections were released following the 2021 girls soccer season.

One player from each school ended up on the All-Sunflower League first team, with FSHS junior Madison Beeley and LHS junior Olivia Platt both making the list.

Beeley, a midfielder, was the go-to engine for Free State’s offensive attack. She led the Firebirds in scoring and assists with four goals and three assists. Beeley will be a senior leader on a team loaded with potential next spring.

Platt, who was also a midfielder, was Lawrence’s most-skilled player on the team. Despite facing multiple defenders on any given possession, Platt produced five goals and five assists. Platt served as a captain for the Lions, and will continue to embrace that leadership role next year.

photo by: Carter Gaskins

Free State’s Ella McCleary, left, and Lawrence High’s Olivia Platt battle over the possession of the ball during Tuesday’s 2-2 draw at LHS.

Two more local players were named to the All-Sunflower League second squad, as Lawrence junior Avery Kingery and Free State junior Willoughby Lam both received such a selection.

Kingery was the hardest working player for LHS, and it led to a strong season. She rarely came out of games and played whatever position she needed to play even though she was primarily a forward. Kingery finished with six goals and four assists.

Lam was also a versatile player, and gave it all she had when she was on the field. Lam delivered two assists as a fullback and set-piece taker for FSHS. She also figures to be a prominent player on next year’s squad.

As for honorable mention, both the Lions and Firebirds had two more players recognized. Sophomore goalkeeper Cree Stewart and junior defender Bella Carter netted an honorable-mention selection for Lawrence.

Free State had a pair of defenders — freshman Shelby Roberts and sophomore Morgan Kimuri — also ended up on the honorable-mention squad.

2021 All-Sunflower League girls soccer selections

Forward of the year: Ashley Koch, sophomore, SM East

Midfielder of the year: Kourtney Koc, senior, SM East

Defender of the year: Lily Hendrickson, sophomore, Olathe West

Goalkeeper of the year: Tori Spurgeon, senior Olathe Northwest

Coach of the year: Joe Waldon, Mill Valley

First team: Peyton Wagoner, Mill Valley; Molly Ricker, Mill Valley; Lainey Waldon, Mill Valley; Larissa Thomas, Mill Valley; Lily Hendrickson, Olathe West; Maddie Meehan, Olathe West; Gracen Chaney, Olathe West; Ashley Koch, SM East; Kourtney Koc, SM East; Cate Holzbeirlein, SM East; Lily Rosenbaum, Olathe East; Addisyn Jones, Olathe East; Olviia Morris, SM West; Izzy Joyce, SM West; Emma Thurston, SM South; Julia House, SM South; Tori Sprugeon, Olathe NE; Keaton Code, Olathe NW; Raegan Halliday, Olathe South; Sam Lockett, SM Northwest; Jobi Smith, Olathe North; Olivia Platt, Lawrence; Brenley Cunningham, Gardner Edgerton, Madi Beeley, Free State.