After two years of deficit in the Norwin Girls Soccer program, they are on the rise back to glory.
The Lady Knights are currently #1 in their section with an overall Section record of 9-0. Their 2024 and current 2025 season have been drastic jumps to success compared to their 2022 and 2023 season.
Under their second-year coach, Ashley DeVito, who started last season, the Knights have made a comeback this year.
The team is led by seniors who have been standout players for years, but also consists of a variety in ages. Their starting lineup includes an older defense and a younger offense, including three freshmen starters: Gianna Marts, Leesia Phetsomphou, and McKenzie Carpenter.
Senior captains Nicole Bown and Bella Buscemi expressed that they have taken on a leadership role, feeling pressure to guide the younger girls on the right path both on and off the soccer field.
“Whether it ranges from advice on relationships to the decisions made on the field, we are there for the younger girls,” said Bown.
“I have watched the younger girls, especially the freshmen, adjust to the speed and style of a varsity game, and they are extremely talented,” Buscemi exclaimed.
The freshmen trio of Marts, Phetsomphou, and Carpenter explained how playing with older girls on the team makes them feel like they have a ton of big sisters who are great examples.
Despite their age, they have no fear of the net. So far this season, Phetsomphou has scored 10 goals, Carpenter has scored 9, and Marts has scored 2.
“It is a really good challenge for me on the field at times and a privilege to be able to do,” said Carpenter.
“Assisting Bella’s goal to take the win in double overtime and getting to celebrate with everyone on the field has been the highlight of my season,” said Marts.
The Lady Knights are aiming high for the season, with hopes of making a deep playoff run. Their ultimate goal is to make it to the championship at Highmark Stadium.
“This has been our dream since freshman year. We even named our group chat Highmark, so we see it as a goal every single day when we look at our phones,” Buscemi explained.
The Lady Knights have worked through multiple losing seasons but have made their way back. Bown and Buscemi explained how it has only prepared them for the challenges they face now.
“We had to stay positive after a hard loss or game,” Bown explained.
“We all make mistakes but we grow from them and do not let them tear us down,” stated Buscemi.
The team has been working hard with games every Monday and Wednesday, with occasional Saturday games.
“In practices, we work on our defensive build-out into an attacking transition,” said Buscemi.
Their training strategy has helped build a strong defensive line with three previous All-Section players: Alexa Kobus, captain Cameryn Reed, and Buscemi starting in the defense.
It has also helped with defending up top and attacking offensively.
“Our drive, commitment, heart, and love for the game have helped us come this far,” said Bown.
“The new coaching staff helped introduce a new perspective to the game that brought life and light back into soccer,” said Buscemi.
Bown and Buscemi explain how playing with girls of so many different ages is a learning experience and helps build relationships for girls throughout high school.
Bown is a Youngstown State commit, and Buscemi is a Saint Vincent commit. After they graduate, they hope the team continues to build a good team culture and welcome the new incoming freshmen.
“We hope to all stay friends and united after spending so many hours with each other throughout high school,” Buscemi said.
They explained how some of the best parts of high school soccer have been supporting each other and getting to watch the boys’ soccer team win the WPIAL at Highmark in the 2023-24 season.
“Getting to cherish all the memories with my best friends and having them through the ups and downs in and outside soccer has been a huge blessing,” Bown said.
The Lady Knights gear up in hopes to take the number 2 or 3 spot in the WPIAL playoffs. They feel confident and ready to take on any team they face.
The countless practices, games, and hard work are all for the road to Highmark.
