Cast your vote for Monroe County Region's best girls soccer player

A new queen will be crowned.

Monroe County Region Girls Soccer Player of the Year Rylie Cassette of New Boston Huron graduated after last season.

That leaves the door open for someone else to ascend to the throne.

There are plenty of great candidates.

More: Rylie Cassette, Matt Lividini of Huron head All-Region girls soccer

A list of players to watch follows. They are listed in alphabetical order with quotes from their coaches. The poll will be open until Wednesday, April 22, so vote all week for your favorite!

Ava Banko, New Boston Huron, senior: A Schoolcraft College recruit. “An absolute great distributor out of the middle that has the skill and talent to outplay anyone in the middle. She likes to shoot from distance and is quite accurate.”

Emily Begeman, Airport, senior: “Defensive leader who solidifies the backline. She brings leadership, consistency and organization.”

Alison Brandys, Dundee, sophomore: Recorded 8 goals and 2 assists as a freshman. “Alison has been doing her homework all offseason and has come into this season more alert and more focused than I have ever seen her.”

Olivia Bucki wins the ball for Airport during a 2-0 win over Ypsilanti in the quarterfinals of the Division 2 Girls Soccer District at New Boston Huron. It was Airport's first state-tournament win since 2018.

Olivia Bucki, Airport, senior: Will play college soccer at Tiffin University in Ohio. “A relentless presence who controls the pace and contributes in all phases of the game.”

Gabby Chapple, Bedford, senior: Entering her fourth season on the varsity. “Will be the heart of our defense. Gabby has been a great leader for us and will help anchor our defense.

Camryn Cousino, Jefferson-Mason, senior: Recorded 19 goals and 11 assists in 2025. “She is constantly pushing herself to improve and her work ethic has been impressive.”

Michelle Crum, Flat Rock, senior: A steadying force in the midfield. “Solid midfielder, energetic reliable player, consistent, good speed.”

Sophia Ellison, Flat Rock, senior: Owns 30 goals and 12 assists in her career. “Very strong dependable player. Dominates the midfield with her speed and work ethic.”

Jillian Farago, Gibraltar Carlson, sophomore: “Jillian led the team in assists last year and was also a significant goal scorer.” Finished with 12 goals and 12 assists in 2025.

Josi Farago, Gibraltar Carlson, junior: Posted a team-leading 19 goals last season to go along with 10 assists. “Josi is a vital member of the attack.”

Bedford's Audrey Grosteffon battles for the ball during an 8-0 loss to Saline on Thursday, April 9, 2026.

Audrey Grosteffon, Bedford, freshman: Will make an immediate impact in the midfield. “Will look to manage the game, provide distribution, work with Chloe (Wanner) in the midfield and create some offensive opportunities for us.”

Alexandra Haddix, Dundee, freshman: An experienced club player. “An absolutely exciting defender that has the ability to provide a spark form the back line.”

Quinn Harrington, SMCC, senior: Keys the Kestrel defense as the center back. “Has the ability to be our brick wall … Her soccer IQ and ability to contribute on both sides of the ball make her one of the players to watch this season.”

Aubree Higgins of Milan fends off a defender during a 2-1 overtime loss to Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard in the finals of the Division 3 district that Milan hosted on Thursday, May 29, 2025.

Aubree Higgins, Milan, senior: A four-year starter in the midfield who is a captain for the second time. “She is a huge play maker and contributes to the team when it comes to scoring goals. I look forward to seeing her excel this season.”

Josslyn Jones, Monroe, sophomore: She played more minutes that anyone on the team last spring. “Holds down our midfield. She was a force as a freshman last year and has only gotten better this year. She’s a leader on the pitch.”

Nora Kinsey celebrates after scoring the 50th goal of her career for St. Mary Catholic Central during a 2-0 victory over Ida on Thursday, March 19, 2026.

Nora Kinsey, SMCC, senior: Scored 16 goals in 2025. “A proven leader and consistent playmaker, Kinsey has built a reputation as one of the players the team can always count on in key moments.”

Meira Koepke, Ida, junior: Expected to lead the defense. “Defensive player to counter the attack and move the ball up the field.”

Maddie Kreps, Ida, junior: Will by the driving forced for the Blue Streak offense. “Will be a person we rely on to score and facilitate our offense.”

Abbigail Neuhart, Milan, senior: “A very versatile player. She can literally play all of the positions and she excels at them very well.”

Mia Meyers of Bedford tries to keep the ball away from Briley Lechner of Monroe Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at Monroe as Monroe won the game 9-0.

Briley Lechner, Monroe, sophomore: Scored 26 goals as a freshman. “She has amazing ball control and speed. She was our leading scorer last season and she’s determined to beat her record.”

Brynn Lusky, Ida, freshman: The Blue Streaks need to figure out the best role for the talented ninth grader. “Will be impactful.  Do not have a definite spot yet. She will probably float between defense and offense.”

Alle Marcero, Monroe, junior: “The anchor on our defense. The defensive line looks up to her. Her biggest strength is her speed and ability to win the one v one.”

Mercedes Melbye, Bedford, senior: An exchange student who will be one of the top offensive weapons for the Mules. “Speed up top that should be able to get behind the back line with some and create some scoring chances.”

Maggie Mentzer of New Boston Huron sizes up a pair of Chelsea defenders during the finals of the Division 2 girls soccer district at New Boston Huron on Saturday, May 31, 2025.

Maggie Mentzer, New Boston Huron, senior: “She has amazing control and can run circles around players in the middle.  She shoots a lot and is always a threat.” Will play next year for the University of Indianapolis.

Belle Morin, SMCC, senior: Belle anchors our midfield and is one of the most technically sound players on the field. She does an excellent job controlling the middle, maintaining possession, and dictating the pace of play.”

Kate Otting, Jefferson-Mason, sophomore: Made an impact as a freshman with 7 goals and 10 assists. “Kate is an exceptional athlete with a nonstop motor. She has the versatility to play any position on the field at a high level.”

Flat Rock's Kendyl Servantes tries to shield Kate Otting of Jefferson-Erie Mason from the ball during a Huron League round-robin game on Wednesday, April 30, 2025.

Kendyl Servantes, Flat Rock, sophomore: Will lead the defense as center back. “Strong, great speed, capable of making great runs out of the backfield”

Morgan Simota, Jefferson-Mason, senior: Led the Bears with 13 assists last season. “She does an excellent job controlling the midfield, setting the tempo, and creating opportunities. We’re expecting a big season from her.”

New Boston Huron''s Miley Skamiera fires a shot past Julia Fowler of DeWitt during a 1-0 Huron victory in the Division 2 state semifinals on Tuesday, June 10, 2025.

Miley Skamiera, New Boston Huron, junior: Notched 28 goals and 16 assists last season to give her 34 goals and 12 assists in two seasons. “She desires to break the school record and she has a plan to do it.  Miley can score both left and right and has speed, such a threat.”

Monica Steinmetz, Gibraltar Carlson, freshman: Will take over in goal for the Marauders. “Has some pretty big shoes (and gloves) to fill this year.”

Payton Toth, Airport, senior: Will play at Huntington University in Indiana next season after scoring 46 goals as a junior. “Remains one of the most dangerous players in Southeast Michigan.”

Scarlett Trame, Dundee, junior: Turned aside 146 shots last season. “She has been working with a Monroe United goalkeeping coach in the offseason, looks extremely fit, and has been motivated to improve our teams last line of defense.”

St. Mary Catholic Central goalkeeper Heidi Cousino tries to make a save against Avery Turk of New Boston Huron during an 8-0 Huron win on Friday, April 10, 2026.

Avery Turk, New Boston Huron, senior: Scored the game-winner in the state semifinals last year and finished with 19 goals and 9 assists  “is exciting to watch with the ball.  Avery is fast and technical. She is too much for defenders to handle.”

Emma Walline, Milan, senior: Begins her fourth season of anchoring the Milan defense. “With her strength and speed Emma has never let the defense down.”

This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Cast your vote for Monroe County Region's best girls soccer player