5A Continental soccer: All-league talents returns to Chaparral lineup

Senior, juniors and a mess of all-league talent is what shapes up the bulk of Chaparral’s varsity soccer roster.

This season, Chaparral High School girls soccer returns eight starters from last year to improve on an already successful 2010 season.

Again under the direction of coach James Hall, the Wolverines have three first-team All-Continental League athletes back on the field for another season, as well as two second-team selections from last year.

In 2010, the Wolverines finished their Continental schedule with a 7-4 record, 9-5-1 overall. Among those starters to lace up again are sophomore goalkeeper Katarina Hine, Kaylyn Cooper, Jackie McArthur, Maddie Kiebel, Ciara Kuhlmann, Layla Ashouri, Katie VanDerZwaag and McKenna Schmitt. Defenders Cooper and McArthur are the teams two returning seniors. Cooper was a first-team all-league nod.

Juniors Kiebel and Kuhlmann are returning first-team midfielders, while Ashouri, also a junior in the midfield, was a second-team selection. As a freshman, Schmitt was also a second-team honor. She is back as a sophomore forward. VanDerZwaag is also a sophomore in the midfield.

In addition, Hall said a handful of talent should be adding strength to the Wolverines’ numbers. Sophomore Kate Meyer sat out all last season with an injury but returns this year.

“She will come in and start in defense,” Hall said. “Kate was MVP of the state cup with her club team with Real Colorado.”

Maggie Smith will be starting in defense for her freshman year. Shaina Ashouri will be competing for a sport in the midfield and as a forward also in her freshman season. Lastly, sophomore Jamie Hampton will look for a starting spot having increased her production, the coach said.

The Wolverines started their season with a 3-1 record including a 1-0 win over cross-town Continental League opponent Legend March 17 at Sports Authority Stadium in Parker.

Hall said he expects Mountain Vista, which returns plenty starters this season as well, and the always tough Heritage, under the direction of new head coach Adam Buseck, to be among the league’s toughest this year.