Meet the 2017 Commercial Appeal all-metro girls soccer team

By John Varlas
Memphis Commercial Appeal

Meet the members of the 2017 Commercial Appeal all-metro girls soccer team.

The player of the year will be announced at the Sports Awards, which takes place June 5 at the Orpheum.

First team

Player of the year nominees

Jenna Kemp, Houston soccer

Jenna Kemp

Houston, Jr.

Midfielder

Why chosen: The future Memphis Tiger was named player of the year in Tennessee by the United Soccer Coaches while picking up All-South Region and All-America honors as well. She finished with 20 goals and 19 assists.

Kaley Smithmier, Briarcrest soccer

Kaley Smithmier

Briarcrest, Sr.

Defender

Why chosen: A four-year standout for a strong Saints program, Smithmier contributed to a defense that posted seven shutouts on the way to a runner-up finish in Division II-AA. She's also scored five times.

Maddy Stolniki, ECS soccer

Maddi Stolnicki

ECS, Sr.

Forward

Why chosen: Stolnicki scored 37 goals and assisted on nine others as the Eagles advanced to the Division II-A semifinals. She finished her high school career with 102 goals.

Lauren Webber, Collierville soccer

Lauren Webber

Collierville, Sr.

Defender

Why chosen: A multi-time all-metro standout, Webber led the Dragons to a runner-up finish in Class AAA while starring on a defense that gave up just 19 goals in 24 matches.

Cara Young, Houston soccer

Cara Young

Houston, Jr.

Defender

Why chosen: Young, who has committed to LSU, earned all-state, All-South region and All-America mention after anchoring a Houston backline that allowed only nine goals in 25 matches.

Remainder of first team

Adryan Darnell

Houston, Sr.

Midfielder

Why chosen: Darnell starred in midfield for the nation's No. 1-ranked team, scoring twice and assisting on 10 others.

Sarina Diebenow

Briarcrest, Sr.

Midfielder

Why chosen: Another talented Saints veteran, Diebenow scored six goals and assisted on 14 others after making a smooth transition from left back.

Julia Perrusquia

Briarcrest, Jr.

Midfielder

Why chosen: Perrusquia earned All-South Region recognition while playing a vital linking role between defense and attack. She's committed to play for Chattanooga.

Sofia Rivera-Peraza

St. George's, Jr.

Defender

Why chosen: The third member of her family to earn all-metro honors, Rivera-Peraza was the top defender on this year's Division II-A state champions.

Abbie Rushwin

Houston, So.

Forward

Why chosen: The speedy Rushwin scored several 16 goals and assisted on 15 others as the Mustangs won all 25 games and finished No. 1 nationally according to USA Today.

Kelley Waggoner

Hutchison, Sr.

Goalkeeper

Why chosen: Waggoner finished with seven shutouts while leading the Sting to the Division II-AA quarterfinals.

Second team

Ann Ragan Grissim, St. George's, Jr., goalkeeper

Emma Gruggett, Houston, So., midfielder

Sydney Ham, Briarcrest, So., forward

Ragan Lessley, St. Agnes, So., defender

Madison Luttrell, Covington, Sr., forward

Kammy McGee, Collierville, Sr., forward

Peyton Moore, Briarcrest, Sr., defender

Olivia House, St. Mary's, Sr., forward

Molly Rose, Houston, So., defender

Catelyn Somogyi, ECS, Jr., defender

Anna Trotter, Collierville, Sr., midfielder

Reach John Varlas at john.varlas@commercialappeal.com or on Twitter @johnvarlas