Maeve Arthur, Brunswick senior, forward: Arthur posted 15 goals and five assists for the Dragons (12-4) last fall. The quick striker scored twice – including the winner – in a Class A North quarterfinal against Messalonskee, a 4-3 overtime victory.
Halee Bando, York junior, midfield: Bando is smart, tough and can play both ways. She was a starter last year for the Wildcats (8-4-4) and is expected to play a key role in their much-improved offense.
Sara Barrett, Windham senior, defense: A two-time second-team All-SMAA selection, Barrett is tough to beat. Her composure in the backfield helped the Eagles (10-3-3) reach the Class A South semifinals.
Sara D’Appolonia, Yarmouth senior, midfield: The Maine Gatorade Player of the Year had 17 assists and 16 goals for the Class B state champions. D’Appolonia also earned Maine Sunday Telegram All-State honors and has committed to play soccer at the University of Delaware.
Emma Forgues, Gorham junior, midfield: An All-Telegram selection last year, Forgues led the Class A South champions in scoring with 17 goals and five assists.
Grace Gillian, Cape Elizabeth junior, forward: An All-WMC selection, Gillian’s role switched between midfield and defense last season. This year the Capers will utilize her strength and versatile skill at forward.
Sydney Gillingham, Bonny Eagle junior, goalkeeper: The second-team All-SMAA pick is fearless. Her reliability in goal frees up the Scots to play with greater confidence.
Emma Gallant, Cheverus sophomore, forward: The first team All-SMAA selection had 12 goals and five assists for the Stags (10-4-1) as a freshman, earning conference Rookie of the Year honors.
Payton Humphrey, York senior, defense: A four-year starter, Humphrey never comes off the field. She’s smart, physical and a threat from anywhere with her long-range shot. Coach Wally Caldwell said he might utilize Humphrey, who has committed to play for the University of Vermont, at forward.
Michaela Jordan, Cheverus senior, defense: A second-team All-SMAA pick and two-year captain, Jordan is a fierce competitor and a leader on the field.
Kristina Kelly, Camden Hills sophomore, forward: The first team All-KVAC pick is the top returning scorer for the defending champs after notching 32 goals and 10 assists as a freshman.
Kassie Krul, Camden Hills junior, midfield: A first-team All-KVAC and Maine Soccer Coaches Association’s All-North selection, Krul scored seven goals and had 13 assists for the Windjammers (17-1).
Hannah Niles, Thornton Academy junior, midfield: A first team All-SMAA pick, Niles has a strong physical presence and technical skills that enable her to easily distribute the ball.
Megan O’Connell, Sanford junior, defense: O’Connell is powerful and quick with an exceptional understanding of the game. She has been a starting back and a second-team All-SMAA pick since her freshman year.
Gaby Panagakos, Scarborough senior, forward: With 22 goals and six assists, Panagakos set Scarborough’s single-season scoring mark last year and earned Telegram All-State honors.
Ellie Patten, Scarborough senior, defense: Along with her strong defensive skills, the second-team All-SMAA pick is an offensive weapon. She adds to Scarborough’s dynamic attack, contributing a goal and five assists last season.
Prezli Piscopo, Cape Elizabeth junior, forward: Piscopo is fast and can play with both feet. She returns as the Capers’ top scorer in their 8-4-4 season, which ended with a 3-1 loss in the Class B South semifinals to Yarmouth, the state champion.
Kaitlyn Roberts, Windham senior, goalkeeper: A team leader, Roberts is smart with quick reflexes and great hands. The young Eagles will rely on her veteran experience.
Lauren Sabatino, Scarborough senior, midfield: The Red Storm run through Sabatino – a great passer who’s technical with the ball. The second-team All-SMAA selection can create her own shot or set up her teammates.
Mia Sargent, Deering sophomore, forward: Sargent had five goals and seven assists for the Rams as a freshman. She has great poise, field vision and accuracy with her shot.
Hallie Schwartzman, Kennebunk senior, forward: Schwartzman can play anywhere on the field and comes through in key situations. She scored the only two goals of the Rams’ playoff run last year, including a 1-0 win over Bonny Eagle in the Class A South prelims.
Juliana Selser, South Portland senior, midfield: The four-year varsity starter and second-team All-SMAA pick has led her team in assists every year. Selser has great endurance and speed.
Hallie Shiers, Gorham junior, forward: The second-team All-SMAA selection is quick, versatile and good in the air, making her the Rams’ biggest scoring threat.
Marin Smith, Marshwood senior, forward: The MSCA All-South pick was a pivotal player for the Hawks (11-4-1) last season. Smith has speed and power, and can strike the ball with both feet.
Amelia Waite, Falmouth senior, forward: Waite returns as a top scorer for the Yachtsmen, notching 14 goals and 11 assists last fall. She and fellow forward Madison Wolf (12 goals, eight assists) will lead the offense in its SMAA debut.
– Taylor Vortherms
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