Advertisement

Providence soccer’s Fitzgerald named league player of the year

Share

Kelly Fitzgerald was hoping to lead the Providence High girls’ soccer team to a league championship next season.

With a new coach and a new system in place for the 2016-17 campaign, the junior figured the Pioneers were a year away from contending for the title.

However, with Fitzgerald leading the way, Providence got the job done this past season, capturing the Independence League crown for the program’s first-ever title.

For her efforts, Fitzgerald, a junior midfielder was named the league’s player of the year. Four other Pioneers earned spots on the singular all-league team: sophomore forward Kristen Ayap, freshman midfielder/defender Veronica Hunstable, freshman midfielder Carissa Guardado and freshman forward Mica Haban.

“Since I was a freshman here at Providence, I knew the program had never won a league title and we really wanted to at least try and win one this season,” said Fitzgerald, who had nine goals in six league matches. “I’m really surprised that we were able to do it during my junior year, because I thought we would probably have to wait until my senior year.

“But even with our new coach and a bunch of new players, we were able to win it, which is just amazing. We really came together as a team this year, on and off the field.”

First-year Providence Coach Emma Johnson said Fitzgerald was an invaluable asset for the Pioneers.

“Since I was a freshman here at Providence, I knew the program had never won a league title and we really wanted to at least try and win one this season.”

— Kelly Fitzgerald

“I am extremely proud of the way Kelly developed this season not only as an outstanding soccer player, but as a stand-up leader and friend,” she said. “Throughout the season, she showed nothing but class and expertise. A true example to not only her fellow teammates but to those around the league.”

Hunstable tallied six goals in six league contests. Johnson said Hunstable’s versatility allowed her to play a variety of positions for the Pioneers.

“Veronica is one of the most versatile athletes on my team,” she said. “I was confident that she would deliver from any position on the field. I look forward to seeing where she goes with her soccer career as both a player and a leader of the Providence High School girls’ team.”

Ayap (four goal in six matches) and Haban (10 goals in six matches) provided Providence with some much-needed offensive punch.

“Kristen is a positive and intimidating presence despite her small stature,” Johnson said. “She is able to beat nearly any player with speed and endurance alone, never mind her killer shot on goal and tuned foot skills.

“Mica was also a tenacious goal scorer and promising student-athlete.”

Guardado’s skills and leadership abilities were both assets this season for the Pioneers.

“Our quiet leader, she is always leading the team by example with her hard work both during practice and games,” Johnson said. “She is a wonderful asset to this team and I cannot wait to see her improve throughout her high school career.”

Providence went 7-4 and captured the Independence League title with a 7-0 mark. In the seven league matches, the Pioneers outscored their opponents, 36-7.

In the first round of the CIF Southern Section Division VII playoffs, the Pioneers lost to Ganesha, 6-0.

“I think now our goal next year will be to win the first playoff game in Providence girls’ soccer history,” Fitzgerald said. “And win the league again.”

jeffrey.tully@latimes.com

Twitter: @jefftsports

Advertisement