Here are the Gazette area players and teams to keep an eye on during the 2024 Iowa high school girls soccer season.
Women's soccer 2024: Featured players in the Gazette area
Abi Roberts Jr., Linn-Mar — Roberts, a Class 3A all-state second-team player, led the Lions in assists (15) and second in goals (21) in 2023.
Callie Stanley, Sophos, Iowa City Liberty — Stanley led the Lightning in goals (18) as a freshman, earning first-team all-conference (Mississippi Valley, Mississippi) and Class 2A East all-district honors.
Chloe Breitbach, Sr., Anamosa — Last year was a breakout year for Anamosa, led by Breitbach's team-leading 22 goals. She received All-State Honorable Mention in Class 1A.
Easten Miller Sr., Independent — Miller, a Class 2A second-team all-star, was the conference's leading scorer (29 goals) and was named Wamac East Player of the Year.
Emily Bowe Jr., Center Point Urbana — Bowe earned First Team All-Conference (Wamack West) and Class 1A First Team All-District Northeast honors in 2023. She was the Stormin Pointers' leading scorer.
Macy Harting, Sophos, Cedar Rapids Xavier — Harting had an impressive freshman season leading the Saints in goals (12). She earned first team All-MVC Mississippi State and Class 2A East All-District honors.
Maggie Utzinger, Soso, Marion — Utzinger led the Wolves in scoring with 17 goals as a freshman and was named first team all-conference (Wamack East).
Marie Olmstead Jr., Cedar Rapids Xavier — Olmsted earned Class 2A second-team all-state honors as a defender last season.
Lilin Breinholt Jr., Iowa City Liberty — Breinholt was a Class 2A second-team all-state midfielder who finished second in scoring for the Lightning.
Tessa Casebolt, Sr., Lynn Marr — Case Bolt's defensive prowess earned him first-team all-conference (Mississippi Valley Valley) and Class 3A East all-district team honors.
Women's Soccer 2024: Gazette Area's Featured Teams
independence — The Mustangs, led by Wamac East Player of the Year Easten Miller, finished the 2023 season in fifth place in Class 2A with a 14-2 record (10-0 Wamac). Eleven starting pitchers return to Independence.
Lin Ma — The Lions had a great run to the state quarterfinals last season, finishing 14-3 and ranking sixth in Class 3A. Linmar returns three of its top four scorers after finishing second in 3A in scoring last spring.
Center Point Urbana — The Stormin’ Pointers finished 2023 in ninth place in Class 1A. CPU returns nine starters and will look to build on last season's 12-3 record (Wamack West 9-1).
marion — The Wolves advanced to the state tournament last year for the first time in program history. They remained undefeated at home and finished the season in 9th place in Class 2A. Marion returns its top six scorers starting in 2023.
Cedar Rapids Xavier — The Saints finished 12th in Class 2A last season with an 8-6 record (5-1 MVC Mississippi State). They are young, but if Macy Harting and staff can take a step forward, Xavier could be dangerous this season.