The Wilmington Friends Quakers made history last weekend, capturing the DIAA Division II Girls Soccer Tournament with a 4‑1 victory over No. 3 Saint Mark’s. The win marked the school’s first girls soccer state championship and capped a season that began with modest expectations and ended with 13 straight wins.
A Season Built on Chemistry
Coach Scott Clothier’s influence stretched beyond the soccer field. In addition to guiding the Quakers to the soccer title, he also led the team to a field hockey championship earlier in the year. His dual success was rooted in a culture of trust and relentless communication, a philosophy that players say kept them grounded during early-season injuries.
Freshmen Clara Kurz, Noura Boland, and Kate Weigand emerged as pivotal figures, each contributing key moments that shifted momentum. Their impact was amplified by the presence of senior captain Ryan Weigand, who shared the pitch with his sister for the first time in 2026, adding a personal narrative to the team’s collective drive.
Defining Moments on the Field
The match opened explosively when Gianna Cottone slipped a pass to Lucia White, who opened the scoring in the seventh minute. Saint Mark’s answered almost immediately, with Gianna DeFebbo finding the net after just 14 seconds, but the Quakers quickly reclaimed the lead when Kate Weigand struck from the top of the box in the tenth minute.
A second goal from Lucia White in the 26th minute extended the advantage, and Kate Weigand capped the first half with a free‑kick that curled into the corner. In the second half, the Quakers shifted focus to possession, deliberately avoiding over‑complication and preserving their lead.
Beyond the Pitch
Sara Clothier, the coach’s wife, described the team’s approach as working in "checkpoints" to stay aligned with the flow of the game. Her insight underscored a season-long emphasis on adaptability. Meanwhile, Scott Clothier will coach his younger daughter Ava in field hockey for three more seasons, while Sara prepares to play at Bowdoin College next year.
The Weigand siblings’ club affiliations also highlighted their diverse development paths: Ryan trains with Sporting Delaware and Delaware Football Club, whereas Kate spends most of her time with Penn Fusion. Their varied experiences contributed to the squad’s depth and resilience.
Looking Ahead
With a historic championship secured, the Quakers aim to build on the chemistry and confidence that defined their run. The blend of youthful talent, seasoned leadership, and a coaching philosophy that spans multiple sports suggests a promising future for Wilmington Friends athletics.