Reliable goalkeeper always delivers for Shady Side Academy girls soccer, earns Division I scholarship

By: Josh Rizzo
Saturday, November 2, 2024 | 11:01 AM

Shady Side Academy girls soccer coach Mary Lynch knows she can count on junior goalkeeper Maria Ravotti. The Bulldogs needed Ravotti, a 5-foot-11 junior, to play well, especially since she was the only goalie on the roster this season.

“What stands out is how focused she is,” Lynch said. “She comes to practice every day. Since she’s our only goalie, she gets a lot of shots on her. She never takes breaks and always goes 100%.”

Ravotti’s height and ability in the net have earned her an opportunity to play at the next level. She recently announced a verbal commitment to play for Providence. The Friars compete in the Big East for women’s soccer.

“I love the game and am thrilled for the opportunity to play college soccer while pursuing my future career,” Ravotti said in a release. “Until then, I still have a lot of soccer to play at this level, where I’ll continue to sharpen my game and do all I can to help my team win.”

Ravotti helped Shady Side Academy reach the WPIAL Class 2A playoffs this season. The Bulldogs finished 6-10-2 overall and lost 1-0 in overtime to Beaver in the first round of the playoffs.

“She’s definitely kept us in a lot of close games this season,” Lynch said. “We had a lot of 1-0 losses. She’s a big part of the reason other teams couldn’t score.”

During Ravotti’s sophomore year, she helped the Bulldogs reach the WPIAL Class 2A final against Avonworth. The Bulldogs lost 1-0 and Ravotti finished with eight saves.

Shady Side Academy ended up reaching the PIAA semifinals before bowing out.

“She certainly didn’t play like a sophomore in that game,” Lynch said. “She played beyond her age. She showed maturity. As a goalie, it’s important to have that mental toughness.”

Ravotti started her high school career at Aquinas Academy. She was named all-section and helped Aquinas reach the playoffs as a freshman.

During her first season with Shady Side Academy, Ravotti went 16-5-1 with 12 shutouts. Ravotti recently was named All-WPIAL for the 2024 season, the second straight season she earned those honors.

Ravotti plays for a Pittsburgh Riverhounds ECNL team.

“I’m focused on working as hard as I can to help my teams be their best and earn the opportunity to play at the next level,” Ravotti said.

Tags: Shady Side Academy