A Season Defined by Defense and Unity
The Harbor Springs Rams girls soccer team captured the Michigan High School Athletic Association Division IV State Championship with a 2-0 victory over Royal Oak Shrine, marking the program’s first ever state title and the first for a public school north of Saginaw.
Junior Stefi Reskavics and senior Lizzie Bassett found the net, while the defensive masterclass was anchored by goalkeeper Lillian McShannock, who turned away eight shots in the final.
Head coach Aaron Riley praised the cohesion of a squad led by four senior captains — Fran Warren, Lilly Barnadyn, Sophie Barnadyn, and Lizzie Bassett — whose selfless approach defined the season.
The win also ended a 25‑year finals drought and broke a streak of private‑school dominance, as the Rams eliminated three private schools, including defending champions Kalamazoo Christian.
Community Response
Fans gathered for watch parties and parades in Harbor Springs, celebrating a triumph that has already become a rallying point for local youth sports.
Midfielders Julia Clarke and the Barnadyn twins contributed across positions, with Sophie Barnadyn delivering a corner‑kick goal in the Regional Championship and Lilly Barnadyn threading a late assist to Reskavics in the semifinal.
A deep bench featuring sophomore goalkeeper MaKenna Brey, forward Maeve Riley, and defender Taya Price‑Thatcher ensured consistent performances throughout the campaign.
Freshmen such as Meme Animikwam and Hadley Corlew added energy, while seniors like Sydney Burch scored her first two high school goals, underscoring the team’s blend of experience and youthful vigor.