Excitement running high as Sewickley Academy girls soccer aims to build on last season’s success

By: Ray Fisher
Sunday, August 31, 2025 | 11:01 AM

Makenzie Dice is one of three returning senior starters on the Sewickley Academy girls soccer team.

Dice and Marin Edmunds are midfielders while Bella Ballard is a defensive specialist.

“As a senior, one of my main goals is to be a strong leader on and off the field,” Dice said. “I want to set a good example through my work ethic and attitude while also being someone my teammates can count on.

“Leadership to me means encouraging others, keeping our energy positive and making sure everyone feels valued and motivated to give their best.”

Sewickley tied for first in Section 3-A with Seton LaSalle last season, advanced to the WPIAL playoffs for the fifth time in six years, reached the WPIAL and PIAA semifinals and ended up 13-5-1 overall.

“I expect us to continue building on the progress we made last year,” Dice said. “We’ve got a solid mix of returning players as well as some really talented freshmen who are already showing a lot of potential. Our goal is to make a strong run in the playoffs (as) section champs, and so far, I believe we have all the pieces to get there.

“Last year was a strong season for our program. This season, we’re focused on building off that experience and working hard to reach even higher goals.”

Dice said the Panthers have an unyielding work ethic which she believes will help them immensely in their quest for a deep postseason run.

“Everyone on the team shows up ready to give their best, whether it’s in practice or during a game,” she said. “We push each other to improve, and that constant effort makes us stronger as a group.

“It’s not just about talent; it’s about the willingness to work hard, stay disciplined and keep competing no matter the situation.”

Despite being a young team, Edmunds believes the Panthers have a ton of ability that gives them high expectations for success for the 2025 season.

“We made it really far last year, and we have already shown a ton of improvement,” Edmunds said. “With such a young roster, everyone expects us to have a slow start. But as was shown in our scrimmages, our team is not holding back.

“Even though this is a new season and we shouldn’t compare it to last year, we’re already ahead which makes me feel really confident.”

Edmunds, similar to Dice, wants to maintain a growth pattern in her leadership role.

“I want to be a role model,” Edmunds said. “I’m hoping we win our section this year and advance to states. I think this team is totally capable of doing so. One of our strengths is our communication. We are always communicating about something.

“We would spend the hours in between our two-a-days eating lunch together and doing funny icebreakers to get to know each other better. I can’t wait to see how it translates to our games.”

Edmunds, whose younger sister Gabby is a sophomore goalkeeper, said the 2024 season was one she won’t soon forget.

“Our performance was incredible, even though we lost in the semis,” she said. “Compared to previous years, we made it so much further and continued to have fun the whole time.

“With such a small roster, we stayed healthy and continued to push each other every single day.”

Ballard’s expectations mirror her two classmates.

“I want to step up and be a leader for my younger teammates and be someone they can look up to,” Ballard said. “On the field, I want to improve my technical skills and try my best to lead our team to success.

“I’m really excited for this season. I think we will continue to build on the progress we made last year and hopefully make it even farther in playoffs. I think this team has the potential to go very far. We have a lot of talent, and we have some new players that I think will really help us.”

Talent, teamwork and team chemistry should take the Panthers a long way in 2025.

“I think everyone is very connected on the field, and I think it shows when we play,” Ballard said. “I truly see so much potential. I can’t wait to see what’s ahead for us.

“Last year’s team worked really hard, and even though the season didn’t end exactly how we wanted, we still should be very proud. The team was very motivated, and I think that motivation will be even stronger this season.”

Five other players back from the 2024 playoff squad at Sewickley are juniors: forwards Emma Eannarino and Olivia Stefanik and defenders Grace Jardini, Emilia Carrabba and Josie Courtney.

“As a senior, this season feels both exciting and bittersweet,” Dice said. “I’m grateful for the chance to play with such an amazing group one last time, and I want to make every practice and game count.

“I also want to acknowledge our coaches, who push us to be our best. I want this season to be memorable for all of us, for the hard work, the laughter and the bond we share. It’s a season I want to look back on proudly, knowing we gave it our all together.”

The Panthers are members of Section 3-A again along with Aquinas Academy, Bishop Canevin, Carlynton, Serra Catholic, Seton LaSalle and South Allegheny.

Sewickley defeated Aquinas Academy, 4-0, in its season opener Aug. 25 at North Park’s JC Stone Field.

The Panthers were scheduled to play Sept. 3 and 4 at Serra Catholic and Quaker Valley.

Tags: Sewickley Academy