
For Students, By Students
The Portledge Press
Portledge Girls Varsity Soccer
Neela Jarmon and Alayna Dinani




The Portledge Girls Varsity Soccer team demonstrated both strength and perseverance throughout the fall season. Under the guidance of coaches Phillip Hills and Dan Giorgi, the team faced intense battles, but with every obstacle, they just emerged stronger. Earlier this season, the team faced a tough 2-0 loss against Rye Country Day. It was a difficult game that left the players and coaches reflecting on how to improve. However, instead of allowing the defeat to dampen their spirits, the team used it as an opportunity for growth, rallying together with a renewed focus and determination, leaving the Rye loss behind them.
Their comeback was on full display throughout the rest of the season, when the team took on many victories, ranging from 3-0 wins to 8-0 wins; but one game that really highlighted the team's drive and dedication was their game later in the season against St. Luke's, a team they thought might have the upper hand. Yet, in a stunning turn of events, Portledge claimed a hard-fought 1-0 victory. This triumph not only proved their resilience but also showcased the team's ability to rise to the occasion when it mattered most. “They didn’t owe us a win, we needed to make it happen, nothing was guaranteed” said Coach Hills; and that is exactly what the team did, they made it happen.
For the Portledge girls, this season was much more than just a series of wins and losses. In fact, the girls’ determination and hard work throughout the season allowed them to inscribe their team’s name into Portledge history. This year the Portledge Girls Varsity Soccer Team acquired their 5th consecutive PSAA Championship title against Stony Brook School. Yet, their journey of success did not stop there. On top of their PSAA Championship, the girls soccer team advanced all the way to the NYSAIS State Championship Semi-finals - the furthest ever in Portledge Girls Soccer history.
The season ended with the team making it to the semi-finals, losing with a tough 1–0 loss against Poly Prep Country Day School. Despite the game’s outcome, the 2024 girls soccer season exemplified clear growth, teamwork, and success. A large part of this achievement can be credited to the team’s dedicated seniors: Madelyn "Maddy" Jelloe, Riley Keiler, Kate "Kaz" Vezzuto, Ella Fentress, and Melina VonToussaint. A noteworthy shout-out to goalie Maddy Jelloe, who will be continuing her athletic career playing D1 soccer at Colgate university. The team will miss all of them immensely.
Overall, the girls team worked tirelessly to enhance their quality of playing, and their efforts unarguably paid off. There was no doubt that the Portledge Girls Varsity Soccer Team had created a profound impact on the school’s athletics program and a legacy for future athletes to follow. The season as a whole was definitely an exciting and memorable one to watch.