The 2023 Girls Soccer ended with a fierce determination to reclaim the championship title in 2024. As the new season begins, the team boasts 17 returning seniors who experienced a standout 14-1-3 record last year. These seasoned players are driven to eliminate the lone loss from last season and etch their names into the CHSAA championship record books.
With a full roster of thirty-two players and a challenging regular schedule of 17 games with a few crucial victories on the horizon, the team is poised to make a serious run at both the CHSAA League and State titles come November. When you look at the returning squad and measure how much they want a championship, how would you characterize the toughness of this team? Second year Head Coach Scott Carey stated, “I think this team is incredibly tough. Just coming up short leaves this nasty taste in your mouth and these girls will do anything to make sure we don’t feel like that again. The coaching staff could tell from day one that this group of returning players meant business.”
Seeing is believing; and when your squad, from day one, shows they want something, the level of determination must be at an all time high. If you couple that with the talent and experience this team possesses, who might they face that will pose a problem in 2024? Carey notes, “We have some Non-Leagues against some good opponents, like Ward Melville, Albertus Magnus, and Massapequa. We love these games as it’s a great test of our character. In League, the likes of Kellenberg, St. John’s the Baptist, and, of course, Sacred Heart will be tough games. Even though Sacred Heart won last year, we feel like we still have that target on our back and we wouldn’t have it any other way!” With thirty-two determined players, the depth SA has will be a crucial asset this year.
The Friars started the season with a scoreless scrimmage against Ward Melville but are now 3-0-1 and are in full league play going forward. With an intense schedule and approximately two games a week, maintaining peak performance is vital. Senior Captains Avrie Nelsen, Molly Hiney, Julianna Osca, Elliana Dos Santos, and Quinci Gallagher will provide essential leadership throughout the season.
Question posed for Captain Quinci Gallagher: With a 32-named roster, does keeping everyone on point and moving in the same direction to win feel like a demanding job?
Gallagher: “Being honored with a captain’s position comes with numerous responsibilities, such as setting an example for a roster of 32. Even though we do have a large team, it is such a great group of girls who all know what SAGVS requires, such as the level of fitness, keeping the energy up, and the collective goal of winning. The team is always on the same page through our hard work rate and timeliness, and I could not ask for a better group of girls to help lead!”
Question for Captain Avire Nelsen – In the hunt for a championship how are you handling the demands of school, being a senior, and a demanding practice schedule?
Nelsen: It’s understandable how it takes five young ladies to form a cohesive unit; success is not a one-person job.
The Friars are currently 9-0-1 and will end the regular season on Oct. 30th vs. the defending NSCHGAA League Champions, Sacred Heart. Tying in determination, leadership, and skill, the St. Anthony’s girls’ soccer program hopes to complete the season undefeated. When your team owns 22 League Championships and 15 state titles since 2001 winning is important and something you always want to be part of.
Photos by Andrew Kiang 2026 who is part of Friar Media and can be found on insta @shotby.kiang. By Staff Writer
