ALL-LEAGUE GIRLS SOCCER: Dignan named MVP, four others tabbed with honors

ALL-LEAGUE: Cecilia Dignan

The senior defender received honors for the fourth year in a row, capping off a successful career as the league's Most Valuable Player. Specializing at center back, the four-year starter was a dominant force for the Lady Bulldogs, and her kind-hearted personality lifted up the program both on and off the field.

Coach's comment: "When Cecilia was around the ball, everyone knew she would come out with it. At state, she received two separate compliments from coaches praising her ability and talent, calling her the best center back they have faced. I have had the pleasure to coach and watch Cecilia play since age nine. Once she started playing center back, she never wanted to stop. We will miss Cecilia and I don't think we will find another like her again anytime soon. Thank you, Cecilia, for all the years of hard work and leadership." — Alan Brinkmeier

ALL-LEAGUE: Ava Glahe

The senior defender received honors for the third straight year after returning from an injury earlier than expected. Specializing at outside back, the three-year honoree was a staple of the Lady Bulldog defense, often beating opponents in one-on-one situations and supplementing the attack by taking a large share of the team's free kicks and corners.

Coach's comment: "Ava methodically won the ball, then diced opponents up as she usually did a give-and-go around them. If the pass wasn't there, she had no issue taking them on one-on-one. Ava was not going to let her senior-year injury define her — she was able to return faster than most and was able to be the impact player we needed. She has my utmost respect and we will miss her greatly." — Alan Brinkmeier 

ALL-LEAGUE: Mackenzie Mitchell

The senior defender is receiving honors for the first time this year. Also taking a large share of the team's free kicks and corners, the outside back often beat out attackers one-on-one and joined in on the Lady Bulldogs' own attack often.

Coach's comment: "Most attackers only want to go at Mackenzie by kicking and running because after trying once, going one-on-one and getting physically knocked off the ball, that is the least painful solution. Mackenzie is a player that leads by her actions. You may not hear her, but if you just watch her effort for 30 seconds, it's hard to not try and match it. Thank you for your leadership and helping everyone around you be better." — Alan Brinkmeier 

ALL-LEAGUE: Izzy Stark

The junior goalkeeper is receiving honors for the first time this year after an exemplary campaign as the starter between the posts this season. The standout defender shook off some early-season nerves and came up big for the Lady Bulldogs when needed.

Coach's comment: "Izzy is a joy to be around; she supports her team through everything. During state, she made two penalty kick saves that helped us advance into the consolation final. She made a huge save in the penalty kick shootout for the district title. We are excited that Izzy will be back next year." — Alan Brinkmeier 

ALL-LEAGUE: Hope Barnes

The senior forward is receiving honors for the first time this year. She led the Lady Bulldogs in goals scored on many occasions, which included a four-goal barrage during a 5A District 1-2 semifinal win over Lewiston, the only regulation goal during the district championship match, and scored one of Sandpoint's two regulation goals at the state tournament.

Coach's comment: "Hope's strength was playing with her back to the goal; she loved getting the ball at her feet and being a playmaker. She would find the perfect through ball to her other forwards or turn her defenders and score herself. Hope has helped guide the next generation of goal scorers by never giving up, always believing in herself and putting in the work knowing it will pay off. Hope, thank you for showing up everyday with your laughter and joy. We will miss laughing with you and hearing your stories." — Alan Brinkmeier 

5A Inland Empire League

MVP — Cecilia Dignan, sr., Sandpoint.

Newcomer of the Year — Bailie Brown, fr., Moscow.

Coach of the Year — Jessica Brown, Moscow.

All-League

Ava Glahe, sr., Sandpoint; Mackenzie Mitchell, sr., Sandpoint; Izzy Stark, jr., Sandpoint; Hope Barnes, sr., Sandpoint; Kolbi Kiblen, sr., Moscow; Hazel Stevens, so., Moscow; Addison Lassen, sr., Moscow; Mattea Nuhn, jr., Moscow; Mady Bruce, so., Lewiston; Brynn Wimer, sr., Lewiston; Trinity Bonebrake, sr., Lewiston; Avery Lathen, jr., Lewiston; Jessa Hartwig, sr., Lewiston; Paige Rose, sr., Lakeland; Natalee Rose, sr., Lakeland; Karstyn Kiefer, sr., Lakeland; Vada Hutchinson, jr., Post Falls.

    Ava Glahe

    Mackenzie Mitchell

    Izzy Stark

    Hope Barnes