Fourteen‑year‑old Gia Lothrop of Hancock has become a central figure in a historic run for Seacoast United’s U‑14 girls soccer squad, guiding the team to the national championship game in Charlottesville, Virginia.
The path to the finals took the squad across the country, from tournaments in San Diego and California to a decisive match in Virginia that pitted them against the nation’s top two ranked clubs. Entering the California leg with only two available substitutes because of a cascade of injuries, the team navigated a tough schedule and secured a spot in the championship match.
A narrow defeat, a big achievement
In the final, Seacoast United fell 1‑0 to the team ranked No. 1 in the country, but the close scoreline underscored the competitiveness of the league and the resilience of a side that had never before advanced past the quarterfinals. The performance earned the club a place in the Girls Academy League’s elite showcase, a platform that includes 176 teams nationwide.
Back in New Hampshire, the players and coaches gathered to sign a board that now hangs in their locker room, a tangible reminder of the milestone they have reached together.
Family ties and future
Gia’s brother, Paxton Lothrop, also balances school at ConVal with club commitments, illustrating a family deeply rooted in the sport. To make the tournament, Gia missed her eighth‑grade graduation, a sacrifice that highlights the dedication required at this level.
The achievement has resonated beyond the pitch, drawing attention from local schools, community groups, and the broader soccer community, all of which are watching closely as the young athletes prepare for the upcoming final.