Terrones provided offense

When Lake Placid forward Yuribia Terrones was on the move with the ball, good things usually happened for the Green Dragons girls soccer squad.

Terrones, a four-year varsity starter, scored a team- and county-high 30 goals this past season and broke the Lake Placid school record with 70 goals in her stellar high school career.

Terrones, who also had 15 assists, would have scored more goals in her final year on the pitch, but was moved to midfielder to help out the Lake Placid defense on numerous occasions.

"Yuribia was a captain and team player and would do whatever it took to help us," said Green Dragon girls soccer coach John Merlo. "She would have scored a bunch more goals if we hadn't of moved her, but she just wanted to help us win.

"Yuribia is a natural player with great speed, she was very physical and had great vision of the entire field."

For her ability, accomplishments and leadership qualities, Terrones has been selected as the Highlands Today All-Heartland Girls Soccer Player of the Year.

"It means a lot to be selected as the Player of the Year," said Terrones. "I worked hard to win this award and I'm glad I got it. My teammates deserve a lot of credit because they helped me to be able to score all of the goals with good passing.

"I knew I had to step up this year to score more goals and to also look to pass to set up my teammates and play on defense when it was the best thing for the team."

Terrones is hoping to play college soccer in the fall.

"It would be a dream come true to be able to play soccer in college," Terrones said. "I really enjoyed my high school career and being with my teammates and if I could play in college that would be awesome."

The Team

Chquen Wilmont, senior, Avon Park Wilmont scored a team-high five goals from her striker position.

Wilmot, a talented and versatile athlete with excellent speed, gave Avon Park a capable scorer and leader at the point of the Red Devils' attack.

"Chquen did a little bit of everything for us," said first-year Avon Park girls soccer coach Jordan Dancer. "She was a leader and helped the other girls on the team to improve and get better."

Heather Bloemsma, freshman, Sebring Bloemsma was outstanding on defense in her first year of varsity action. Bloemsma also had the speed and agility to play at forward to help the Blue Streaks offensive attack.

"Heather was solid on defense and had the speed and ball-handling ability to move up on offense for us," said Sebring veteran girls soccer coach Steve Ashley.

Jessica Landers, senior, Lake Placid Landers played midfielder for the Green Dragons and had the speed to score on offense and the quickness to clear the ball away for the defense.

"Jessica has great speed and was a force to be reckoned with at midfield for us," said Merlo. "She would shut down the other team's top scorer and she played with a lot of intensity."

Brenda Bellus, senior, Avon Park Bellus was the leader for the Red Devils aggressive defense. She played with a physical style that helped to clear the ball away and saved numerous goals.

Brittany Collison, sophomore, Lake Placid Collison played center midfield for the Green Dragons and did a great job of helping key the offensive attack with a team-high 22 assists with accurate passes.

"Brittany had great field vision and was the main reason that Yuribia scored so many goals," Merlo said.

Jayme Faircloth, sophomore, Sebring Faircloth played midfield and used a physical style to help control the ball for the Blue Streaks.

"Jayme was our MVP this year and she utilized her strength to win a lot of battles for the ball," Ashley said.

Jackie Yanez, senior, Avon Park Yanez was exceptional as the goalie for the Red Devils. Yanez helped to keep the Red Devils in many games with her quick reflexes and acrobatic saves.

Minerva Arreguin, senior, Avon Park Arreguin played midfield and helped to spark the Red Devils' offense and anchored the defense.

Michelle Hunter, freshman, Lake Placid, Hunter scored 16 goals and had seven assists at forward in her first year of varsity action.

"Michelle played very well for us," said Merlo. "She was fast, had a nose for the ball and if defenses concentrated on Yuribia, Michelle would make them pay."

Sarah Thompson, junior, Lake Placid Thompson used her athleticism to keep the ball out of the net for the Green Dragons' defense. She had six shutouts during the season.

"Sarah was a second-year starter and had 78 saves for us," Merlo said. "She used her height to her advantage, was very physical and didn't get intimidated."

Ashley Langabaugh, freshman, Sebring Langabaugh played midfield and was a key part of the Blue Streaks' defense.

Tiffany Card, sophomore, Avon Park Card played solid defense from her midfield position for the Red Devils.

Ansley Stewart, senior, Lake Placid Stewart switched from offense to sweeper and did a fabulous job for the Green Dragons.

"Ansley was a four-year varsity player and helped the team by switching to defense," Merlo said.

Eva Ramirez, junior, Lake Placid Ramirez was a two-year starter and did a great job at sweeper for the Green Dragons.

Guadalupe Luevano, sophomore, Avon Park Leuvano made her mark playing defense for the Red Devils from her midfield position.

Honorable Mention

Mariah Meloche, senior, Sebring

Haley Leichmon, senior, Avon Park

McKenzie Hargaden, sophomore, Sebring

Selina Olguin, freshman, Avon Park

Kristina Williams, freshman, Sebring

Coach of the Year

For guiding Lake Placid to a solid season and the Class 3A-District 9 semifinals, Lake Placid's John Merlo has been selected as the Highlands Today All-Heartland Girls Soccer Coach of the Year.