NHS girls soccer kicks off with confidence

As the Niwot High School girls soccer team gears up for a new season, head coach Stephen Dimit is optimistic about the squad's potential. With strong returning players, a deep talent pool, and a competitive schedule ahead, the Cougars are looking to build on last year's foundation and make an impact in their league.

Among the key veterans are senior Greta Stauch, juniors Mariah Fletemeyer, Heather Humphrey, and Brynn Schlarb, and sophomores Mirjam Bos, Ashley Grier, Ava Inguagiato, and Hannah Wurth. "We have another young team this year," Dimit noted, but the experience these players bring will be invaluable.

The Cougars' attacking line will be one to watch, with Humphrey and Schlarb expected to play pivotal roles. "Heather really sets a physical tone up top, and combined with Brynn's speed and creativity, we have a much more exciting and dynamic attack this year," Dimit said. He emphasized that the team will have a variety of ways to score, making Niwot a threat all season.

Defensively, the Cougars will be anchored by sophomore Liz Robbins, an all-conference selection as a freshman last season. "Liz played almost every minute for us in the back last year, and I really expect her to take command this season with her steadiness," Dimit said.

In goal, Niwot has the enviable problem of too much talent. Fletemeyer, who earned an all-conference honorable mention last year in spite of a late season injury, returns to lead a deep goalkeeper group. "Mariah is a real competitor who rises to every challenge," Dimit said.

Also in the mix are sophomore Larkyn Young and freshman Ellen Weeks, who have impressed early.

This year, Niwot will be competing in the newly formed 4A Granite Peaks League, which will add an extra layer of excitement and competition to the season. "Our league opponents are also our rivals, which makes these games even more meaningful," Dimit said.

Notable matchups include Erie, Fairview, and Cheyenne Mountain high schools, all historically strong programs that will test the Cougars in the middle of the season.

Niwot finished last season with an 8-4-4 record, demonstrating an ability to compete at a high level. Among the most anticipated games is the rivalry matchup against Silver Creek High School on April 10. "That's the one the team is probably looking forward to the most," Dimit said. The Cougars have not beaten the Raptors since a 2-1 overtime win in 2017, but Dimit said, "We have a chance to turn that this year."

Another game to circle on the calendar is against Skyline High School on April 17, which has historically been a tense, defensive battle that ended in a 0-0 tie the past two years.

While wins are always the goal, Dimit emphasized player growth as the priority. "We're still really young, but I'd say we have as much talent on the field as we've had in a decade," he said. "We just need to keep better every week, and if we stay focused, it'll work out well for us."

Dimit will be supported by longtime Assistant Coach Brett Butrick, who has been with the program for many years, and Assistant Coach Raeanne Hill, who enters her third season with the girls team.

The girls kick off their season with away games on March 4 and March 11 against the Mountain Range High School Mustangs and the Wheat Ridge High School Farmers, respectively, before heading home for a game on Thursday, March 27, against the Erie High School Tigers. With a mix of experience and youth, Niwot's girls soccer team is set up for an exciting season.