ALL-IEL SOCCER: Brinkmeier, Hall named MVP; Longanecker Co-Newcomer of Year

Lilliana Brinkmeier

Cecilia Dignan

Marlee McCrum

Ava Glahe

Maddie Mitchell

Huxley Hall

Pax Longanecker

Luke Leavitt

Gavan Miles

Isaac Schmit

Gus Penrose

Dan Anderson

| October 31, 2024 1:00 AM

GIRLS SOCCER

MVP: Lilliana Brinkmeier

Lilliana, a goalkeeper and senior caption, was a four-year varsity starter and now a two-time IEL MVP.

Notes from coach Brinkmeier: "This season was probably her busiest year in goal. In several games she had double-digit saves, some being game-saving. Forwards knew they would have to place the perfect shot to beat her and even then, she might just get there and make the save anyways. Lilliana brought to the team calmness, experience and joy. This program will miss Lilliana and wish her the best post high school."

ALL-IEL: Cecilia Dignan

Cecilia, a junior defender, was a big reason why the Lady Bulldogs made it as far as they did this year.

Notes from coach Brinkmeier: "She is one of those players that, unless you know soccer, may get over looked as just another center back. Well, to those that know soccer, they know she is something special. The way she can cutout passes, cutoff player's runs to the ball, win balls in the air, and her passing ability all looks effortless. She is selfless and one of the sweetest players, but on the field, she has no problems stepping into a hard tackle. Cecilia has shut down some of the state's best forwards and we could not be more thrilled to also get her back for one more year."

ALL-IEL: Marlee McCrum

Marlee, a senior, scored goals when it mattered most this year for Sandpoint.

Notes from coach Brinkmeier: "We have had the pleasure to watch Marlee rise to one of the best dribblers and finishers in the league. We could tell that when coaches scouted our games at state, they targeted Marlee as a force and would man mark her. Sometimes we would have to remind her teammates to stop watching her dribble through the whole defensive line, even though it is something special to watch. Marlee may not have been a captain but she was a leader, friend and an example that younger players could look up to. Her skill and determination will take her far if she chooses to continue her soccer career and we hope she does."

ALL-IEL: Ava Glahe

Ava, a junior defender, is regarded as on the Lady Bulldogs' best all-around stars.

Notes from coach Brinkmeier: "On the back line, her one-on-one defending is excellent, but also her dribbling and finishing is something that sets her apart from others that play her position. She has been the same player since she started her career with Sandpoint High — she is one that shows her emotions on her sleeve. When she has that 'certain' look, I feel sorry for anyone that dares to take her on. She is a joy to coach and to watch. The coaching staff is thrilled that she will be back for one more year, hopefully finishing off her career with a state title."

ALL-IEL: Maddie Mitchell

Maddie, a defender and senior captain, battled her hardest in every Sandpoint game and practice.

Notes from coach: "Maddie is one of those players that coaches wish for. The coaching staff would have to drag her off the field to rest her hip because she wanted to be out there all the time. She was not afraid to go into any tackle, and she proved that every time she stepped on the field. Her leadership was that of grit, determination and kindness. Maddie took a lot of the younger players under wings and helped guide our team to the district title and to second in the state. She is a player that will be hard to replace and we hope that she continues her playing career into college."

BOYS SOCCER

MVP: Huxley Hall

Huxley, a junior forward, had a breakout year for the Bulldogs this year, scoring 17 goals and eight assists.

Notes from coach Anderson: "Huxley was immense for us this year. Not only do his goal and assist numbers speak for themselves, but he made major contributions in the games where we needed him to produce. He is the epitome of putting in the countless hours of work on your own that no one sees, and I am overjoyed to see him reap the rewards. There is much more to come from this young man."

CO-NOTY: Pax Longanecker

Pax, a midfielder, made quite the impact during his freshman campaign in order to pick up Co-Newcomer of the Year honors.

Notes from coach Anderson: "Pax walked into our team this year as a freshman and played like a veteran player from the jump. His calmness on the ball, work rate, and reliability were incredibly impressive throughout the season. He is one of those players that you never want to take off the field. "

ALL-IEL: Luke Leavitt

Luke, a senior forward, contributed in every match he was able to participate in.

Notes from coach Anderson: "Luke was a problem for every defense that he faced this year. He is electric going forward and most certainly has the tools to play at the next level. He had 12 goals in the first 10 games of the season before sustaining an ankle injury that sidelined him for five games. Had he remained healthy, I am confident that he would have ended the season with an incredibly impressive goal tally. Luke is a quality young man and I am excited to see what his future holds."

ALL-IEL: Gavan Miles

Gavan, a senior goalkeeper, played incredible in between the posts.

Notes from coach Anderson: "Hearing that Gavan was returning for his senior year after not playing last year was great news, and he has far exceeded expectations. Gavan recorded an incredible 107 saves this year, and came up clutch for us time and time again when everyone on the field and in the stands thought the ball was surely about to end up in the back of our net."

ALL-IEL: Isaac Schmit

Isaac, a junior defender, was a problem for opposing offenses this year.

Notes from coach Anderson: "Isaac is one of those players that opposing coaches routinely mentioned to me during postgame handshakes this year. His ability to slam the door shut on opponents' attacks is second to none. We are very excited to have him on our team for another year."

ALL-IEL: Gus Penrose

Gus, a freshman defender, routinely shut down opposing attackers

Notes from coach Anderson: "Gus's love for the game is evident every time he steps on to the field. He relishes playing against difficult opponents, isn't bothered by playing in inclement weather, and always gives everything for the team. Even as a freshman, he set the example for his teammates and immediately embodied the big dog mentality."

COACH OF THE YEAR: Dan Anderson

In his first year as head coach, Anderson led Sandpoint back to the state tournament after helping his Bulldogs win the 5A IEL district tournament for the fifth straight year. Sandpoint officially finished the 2024 season 10-7-2 under his tenure.