All-State Soccer Honors Highlight Minot Talent
The North Dakota High School Coaches Association has announced its all‑state soccer selections, spotlighting five standout athletes from Minot High School and Minot North. The list reflects a blend of seniors, juniors and even an eighth‑grader, underscoring the depth of talent across the state.
Anistyn Perrin of Minot North paced her squad with 20 points, earning a first‑team nod after leading the team in scoring. Julia Lewis, also from Minot North, contributed 12 goals and five assists for a total of 17 points, while Morgan Orth, the youngest member of the first team, added 15 points and helped anchor the attack.
Jayva McKibben from Minot High finished third in team scoring with 16 points, combining eight goals and eight assists, and Kynsli Gillmore posted ten shutouts in 17 appearances, finishing with 70 saves. Their performances helped shape the all‑state roster.
Beyond the first‑team selections, twelve seniors, four juniors, three sophomores, two freshmen and a single eighth‑grader received all‑state recognition. Among them, Sarah Helderop of Mandan was named senior athlete of the year after reaching 100 career goals, while Aaron McElwee of Mandan earned coach of the year honors after guiding the Braves to a 17‑1‑1 record and a state title game appearance.
The acknowledgment extends beyond individual accolades, reflecting a broader celebration of high school soccer across North Dakota. Coaches and players alike view the honors as a testament to hard work, team chemistry and the growing competitiveness of the sport in the region.