After a successful 2023 campaign led Roswell all the way to the 5A-6A state championship before an 11-5 loss to Blessed Trinity, the Hornets are back and ready to pick up where they left off.
Tonight marks the season-opener where the state runner-up Hornets will take on Class 7A powerhouse Walton. Last season, the Raiders (14-7, 6-1) made it to the 7A semifinals and are looking forward to enjoying a deep playoff run once again, hoping to earn their first state championship since 2016.
Roswell will look to open things up with a win behind its three committed seniors, Marquette-commit Laila Johnson (midfield), Lenior-Rhyne-commit Mayah Soffer (defense), and Longwood-commit Rachael Lawrence (defense). All three have officially signed, with the latest being Soffer, who signed Thursday.
The Hornets look to contend with dominant Region 5-5A-6A rivals, Blessed Trinity. The Titans were 5-1 in the region last year, allowing only 18 goals while scoring 88 throughout the season. This 70-plus goal differential was the highest in the region, with the Cambridge Bears being second at +32 while Roswell was at +15.
Last year’s outcome was fuel for Roswell.
“We have set a standard for ourselves to get right back where we were,” Soffer said. “By making it to state we have shown what we are capable of… we should expect nothing less from this season.”
The Hornets should be excited about the young talent they have, as the underclassmen have brought “energy, talent, and fresh perspectives,” according to Soffer. With the experience and teaching ability of the seniors, Roswell will have its team loaded with talent for years to come.
Roswell’s program is well versed in sending talent to the next level. On top of the previously mentioned signed seniors, junior Ella Bea Croteau is committed to Jacksonville University. In 2023, the Hornets were led by the 5A-6A Player of the Year Kayla Macleod, who now plays for Clemson University, and 2023 Second Team All-State goalie Sydney Davis, who now plays for Kent State. According to Soffer, the team influences futures by “fostering discipline, teamwork, and leadership skills that can be applied in both sports, and beyond.”
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