Northport HS is certainly a girls soccer powerhouse in the state of New York. Despite losing 16 players from last season, the squad has managed to become a regular on the NSCAA National Poll, most recently registering at #4 with a record of 7-0-0.
“I am extremely proud of the girls’ accomplishments this season,” head coach Aija Gipp commented. “Having their hard work and dedication to the sport and their team recognized makes them feel proud to be part of the Northport girls varsity soccer team.”
There is quality all around the program as noted by the fact that nine of the graduating seniors from last year are now playing in the college ranks.
The district also happens to find itself in the middle of a soccer hotbed on Long Island. Players start in the game at the tender age of four and move on to premier travel teams by eight or nine. Providing the right training at a young age helps develop players and that has certainly aided those at the high school level and beyond.
Senior captain and forward Sabrina Barton, the only returning starter from 2013, is leading the team in goals scored. Senior captain and defender Alyssa Gaynor, sophomore midfielder Cybele Laisney, sophomore defender Stephanie Rapp, and senior captain and forward Adriana Mendrinos are also key contributors on a very talented squad with loads of depth.
Gipp is quick to point out that the success they’ve experienced is a result of a team effort.
“It isn’t about one player. All players on the field contribute to the team’s success. Different players step up in each game so we don’t have to rely on a few players to get the job done.”
They certainly have gotten the job done, dominating county play in recent years. Northport has been in the county finals the past three years, winning the title the past two seasons.
Barton is quick to give credit to her coach for getting that far and accomplishing so much.
“There is no such thing as a winning team without an amazing coach. Coach Gipp helps motivate us and keeps us on a great track from the very beginning. She helps keep us focused on what we want to achieve, and we do it. Without her, we wouldn’t be where we are today.”
Northport HS faces two difficult matches in the coming weeks as they face Half Hollow Hills East (October 9) and Smithtown East (October 23). Both matchups will test this talented side as they step closer and closer towards the playoffs.
The ISN Ultimate XI began as an effort to recognize the very best of high school soccer, a side of the game often neglected by the national media. That is certainly no longer the case as ISN leads the way in promoting the game at this level, honoring the young men and women that are the future of the sport.
Promotion of the ISN Ultimate XI will culminate in a major multi-state event in the summer of 2015.
