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2026 LebCo Girls Soccer Season Outlook
There is no shortage of intrigue surrounding girls soccer in Lebanon County this fall.
Several teams enter 2026 with recent championship and postseason experience behind them. ELCO captured the Lancaster-Lebanon League Section 3 championship before advancing to the District 3 Class 3A quarterfinals, while Annville-Cleona qualified for Districts for the second consecutive season. New Covenant Christian continued its impressive run by winning a second straight CCAC championship. Each now faces the challenge of building upon that success with a different collection of players.
Elsewhere, teams are turning to experienced returners after significant graduation losses, while plenty of younger players are ready for their opportunity. There is also a new era beginning at Cedar Crest, where former ELCO and Lehigh standout Ryelle Shuey has returned to Lebanon County to take over the Falcons.
The first games of 2026 are already in the books, but the season’s biggest stories are just beginning to develop. With league races, postseason aspirations, individual milestones, and plenty of local pride ahead, here’s a team-by-team look at Lebanon County girls soccer and what each program brings into the new season.
Annville-Cleona Dutchmen
Lancaster-Lebanon League Section 4
Head Coach: Ryan Ulrich – 4th season
Key Returners: Anabella Pulaski (Sr., CB); Addison Sanchez (Sr., MF); Valeria Russo (Sr., F); Nicole Dennis (Sr., OB); Abigail Sperlich (Jr., MF)
Emerging Game Changers: Teige Christiansen (So., B/MF); Scarlette Elshaug (So., OB)
Collegiate Competitors: Sage Shirk (Sr., Clarion); Izzy Sawich (Jr., IUP); Rowan Ulrich (So., Thomas Jefferson); Bailee Kohr (Fr., Lebanon Valley)
Season Outlook
After qualifying for Districts in each of the past two seasons, Annville-Cleona enters 2026 with a different-looking roster but the same postseason aspirations.
The Dutchmen graduated a significant group through the middle of their lineup, including midfielders Mikayla Sperlich and Anna Lim, forward Emma Shirk, and goalkeepers Bailee Kohr and Mariam Elzek. Replacing that experience will be one of the early challenges, but A-C isn’t without proven pieces.
Senior Anabella Pulaski returns at center back after earning Section 4 All-Star recognition last season. Fellow All-Star Addison Sanchez provides production from the midfield after totaling nine goals and seven assists, while Valeria Russo returns up front following an eight-goal, four-assist campaign. Seniors Nicole Dennis and junior Abigail Sperlich add additional experience.
Sophomores Teige Christiansen and Scarlette Elshaug are among those who could take on larger roles as the Dutchmen reshape their lineup.
After consecutive District appearances, this group has an opportunity to establish an identity of its own. The target is another postseason berth and ultimately securing Annville-Cleona’s first postseason victory since the program moved from Class A to Class AA.
Annville-Cleona Dutchmen Schedule
Cedar Crest Falcons
Lancaster Lebanon League – Section 1
Head Coach: Ryelle Shuey – 1st season
Key Returners: Cameron Blouch (Sr., MF); Addie Achenbach (Sr., MF); Eva Zimmerman (Sr., MF); Riley Frisinger (Jr., MF); Addie Fulkerson (Jr., MF); Ryan Stopper (Jr., D); Abbie Bucy (Jr., D); Jordan Ketner (Jr., W); Lily Harchuska (Jr., GK); Emma Achenbach (So., MF); Addie Kline (So., MF)
Collegiate Competitors: Abrielle Miller (Lebanon Valley); Emilee Walborn (Lebanon Valley); Emma Kline (Lebanon Valley)
Season Outlook
Cedar Crest begins a new chapter in 2026 with Ryelle Shuey taking over the program. Shuey starred at ELCO, helping the Raiders win a District 3 championship, before an accomplished career at Lehigh that included being named the 2023 Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year. Now, she brings that experience back to Lebanon County for her first season leading the Falcons.
While Cedar Crest graduated Carly Atkins, Eliza Kase, Emma Kline, and Samantha Fink, the Falcons return experience throughout the field. Seniors Cameron Blouch, Addie Achenbach, and Eva Zimmerman are part of a deep returning group, while juniors Riley Frisinger, Addie Fulkerson, Ryan Stopper, Abbie Bucy, Jordan Ketner, and goalkeeper Lily Harchuska have all been part of the varsity picture. Sophomores Emma Achenbach and Addie Klinealso return after entering the program as freshmen last fall.
That experience could be valuable after the Falcons spent last season battling through a challenging schedule. Many of this year’s players received opportunities along the way, giving Cedar Crest a foundation upon which to build even as a new coaching staff takes over.
For Shuey, however, the early emphasis has been less about singling out individuals and more about establishing a collective approach. She has described the Falcons as a hardworking group eager to learn and compete together, with new faces from several classes also pushing for opportunities.
With a new coach but plenty of familiar players, Cedar Crest will look to bring those pieces together throughout the fall. Shuey is focused on the team’s growth, effort, and willingness to learn, with the hope that those qualities allow the Falcons to make progress as the season unfolds.
ELCO Raiders
Lancaster-Lebanon League Section 3
Head Coach: Josh Deck – 2nd season
Key Returners: Hadyn Boyer (Sr.); Ava Seifert (Sr.); Ava Beck (Sr.)
Emerging Game Changers: Hadley Boyer (Fr.)
Season Outlook
Josh Deck’s first season at the helm was a successful one, as ELCO went 15-3-1 during the regular season, captured the Lancaster-Lebanon League Section 3 championship, and advanced to the District 3 Class 3A quarterfinals.
Repeating that success will require the Raiders to work through some significant changes. ELCO graduated five seniors, including goalkeeper Claire Jacoby and center back Bre Etherson. The loss of two experienced players in key defensive positions leaves some large gaps to fill.
Hadyn Boyer, Ava Seifert, and Ava Beck give ELCO an experienced senior core to help navigate the transition. All three were established varsity contributors entering last season and now take on added importance as the Raiders reshape their lineup. Freshman Hadley Boyer is an Emerging Game Changer who could also work her way into the mix.
The changes will extend beyond personnel. Deck plans to alter ELCO’s formation and style of play, meaning even the returning players will be asked to adjust. How quickly everyone adapts to new roles and a different approach will be important as the Raiders work to come together.
There may be some growing pains involved in making that transition, but ELCO enters it on the heels of a Section 3 championship and District quarterfinal appearance. The challenge in 2026 will be developing a new identity while building upon what the Raiders accomplished in Deck’s first season.
Lebanon Cedars
Lancaster-Lebanon League Section 4
Head Coach: Heidi Evans – 6th season
Key Returners: Rayven Soliday (Sr., GK); Mya Pauleus (Jr., MF); Arabella Overdier (So., F)
Rising Contributors: Cayleigh Shaak (Jr., D); Jalyssa Aviles (Jr., W); Trinity Leeper (Jr., F); Elayna Gonzalez (Fr., MF); Sophia George (Fr., F); Zoey Gonzalez (Fr., MF)
Season Outlook
Lebanon’s program did not provide additional information.
New Covenant Flames
Commonwealth Christian Athletic Conference
Head Coach: Cody Kantner – 6th season
Key Returners: Qynne Demler (Sr., F); Moriah Simniskis (Sr., MF); Adrianna Yeagley (Sr., MF); Elise Stoner (Sr., D/MF); Laney Zimmerman (Jr., D)
Emerging Game Changers: Hannah Hubbard (Jr.); Emma Zintak (So.); Mahaley Gehman (So.)
Collegiate Competitors: Miracle Hershey (Waynesburg University)
Season Outlook
New Covenant Christian enters 2026 looking to extend a run that has produced back-to-back CCAC championships.
The Flames will have some significant production and leadership to replace. Kai Hershey was an important goal scorer, Lily Rohrer and McKenna Kantner helped control the midfield, and Raena Kilmer provided leadership on the defensive end.
Fortunately, there is an experienced senior class ready to take on greater responsibility. Qynne Demler returns at striker after being a key goal contributor last season, while Moriah Simniskis, Adrianna Yeagley, and Elise Stoner give New Covenant experience through the midfield and defensive areas. Junior Laney Zimmerman also returns after emerging as a strong defensive leader.
Junior Hannah Hubbard and sophomores Emma Zintak and Mahaley Gehman are among the players who could see their roles expand.
Rather than looking too far down the road, New Covenant plans to approach the season one game at a time. Early signs have been encouraging, particularly from a senior class already displaying the leadership and buy-in that have been important ingredients in the program’s recent success.
At the collegiate level, former Flame Miracle Hershey is coming off an All-PAC Honorable Mention season at Waynesburg. Hershey appeared in all 22 games, led the conference with 10 assists, scored five goals, and recorded three game-winners.
Northern Lebanon Vikings
Lancaster-Lebanon League Section 3
Head Coach: Jeff Snyder
Key Returners: Ryelee Mullen; Holly Weaver; Emma Heagy; Maura Grubb; Emily Marinkov; Hope Shaffer; Olivia Winters; Kylee Trish
Season Outlook
Northern Lebanon will have a new look in 2026, but the Vikings won’t necessarily be starting over.
Seven players graduated from last year’s team that finished two games below .500. The losses include Carley Walborn, Maddison McKissick, Addison Hollenbach, Haylee Mullen, Jillian Zechman, Brielle McFeaters, and Anna Lanka. It was a sizable senior class that leaves Northern Lebanon with several important roles to fill.
The good news is that many of the players moving into larger roles already have varsity experience. Emma Heagy found the net multiple times early last season, while Emily Marinkov produced a hat trick in an early win over Big Spring. Maura Grubb, Olivia Winters, and Ryelee Mullen also contributed offensively during the year. Along with Holly Weaver, Hope Shaffer, and Kylee Trish, the Vikings bring back a sizable group that has already experienced varsity competition.
Northern Lebanon also has plenty of experience guiding that transition. Jeff Snyder has spent 23 years coaching soccer within the Northern Lebanon program, serving in a variety of roles with the boys and girls programs at the middle school, JV, and varsity levels. That familiarity with the program gives Snyder a valuable perspective as he works to move the Vikings forward while incorporating returning players into expanded roles.
After finishing 8-10 overall and 2-8 in league play last season, Northern Lebanon’s objective is straightforward. The Vikings want to continue improving, lean on a returning group that has already gained valuable varsity experience, and turn that progress into a winning season in 2026.
Northern Lebanon Vikings Schedule
Palmyra Cougars
Mid-Penn Conference – Keystone Division
Head Coach: Tim Grinstead – 8th season
Key Returners: Elyse Ancharski (Sr.); Sammy Seager (Sr.); Graceyn O’Brien (Sr., D); Alayna Pascale (Jr., F); Alyse Lindenmuth (Jr., MF)
Emerging Game Changers: Izzy Weber (So., F/MF); Summer Loew (So., MF); Ava Lantz (So., D); Annie Grinstead (Fr., F/MF); Mia Grinstead (Fr., F/MF)
Collegiate Competitors: Kenzie Long (East Stroudsburg); Ellie Bauer (Shenandoah); Alyssa Stroik (Northwood); Delaney Miller (Kutztown); Kayla Bucks (Penn College of Technology); Katie Pavusek (Pitt-Johnstown)
Season Outlook
Last season presented Palmyra with its share of challenges. The Cougars started 0-4 and spent much of the fall trying to find consistency, but there were encouraging moments along the way. Palmyra defeated Hershey, 2-1, and earned a pair of one-goal victories over Bishop McDevitt. More importantly, Tim Grinstead believes the experience taught his team important lessons about playing together and competing harder.
Those lessons have helped shape Palmyra’s approach to 2026. The Cougars have established Accountability, Team First, and Competitiveness as their three core values, with an emphasis on incorporating them into everything they do.
There are some significant pieces to replace. Kenzie Long finished her Palmyra career as a 100-point scorer, while Ellie Bauer anchored the Cougars at center defender. Both were multiple-time All-Conference selections and have moved on to play collegiately. All-Conference midfielder Katie Dromgoole is another important loss.
Fortunately, Elyse Ancharski and Sammy Seager give Palmyra two accomplished seniors around which to build. Ancharski earned All-Conference honors after leading the Cougars in assists last season, while Seager, a two-time All-Conference selection, led the team in tackles. Senior defender Graceyn O’Brien provides additional experience, with juniors Alayna Pascale and Alyse Lindenmuth also being counted on for bigger seasons.
There is youth to work into the mix as well. Sophomores Izzy Weber, Summer Loew, and Ava Lantz, along with twin freshmen Annie Grinstead and Mia Grinstead, make up a group of Emerging Game Changers who could take on larger roles.
After what the Cougars learned last fall, Grinstead has been encouraged by the work and team culture he has seen develop entering 2026. Rather than focusing solely on results, Palmyra is emphasizing the details of its process and the values it believes can lead to greater success.
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