News Photo by Steve Jakubcin The Alpena High School girls soccer team poses together for its 2024 season team photo on Wednesday. The Wildcats’ season kicked off on Thursday, and, this year, the players hope to bounce back and see a better overall record than last year.

ALPENA — After a rough end to the 2023 season, the Alpena High School girls soccer team seeks to bounce back in 2024.

Eight straight losses to end last season leaves plenty of room for improvement, but, with a strong class of seniors and juniors, expectations are set high.

The team finished 6-11-2 and 1-8-1 in the Big North Conference last season.

This season, the Wildcats’ schedule is again stacked with formidable opponents all year.

“It’s hard to gauge the BNC this year, because it’s relative to each season,” Alpena coach Gregg Supiran said. “Both Traverse City teams are going to be good, as always, and Cadillac really picked it up toward the end of the season. But I think we’re going to go out and compete with any team we have on the schedule.”

The Wildcats’ recent departing class of graduates leaves only three spots to replace.

Anna Woods, Eve Dragiewicz, and Megan Dubie were three impactful players, so filling in for each girl won’t be easy.

“Those three seniors will be dearly missed, but the quality of athleticism and knowledge of the game with these new girls has already been really impactful in our preseason,” Supiran said.

The coach said his six-girl senior class stands out because of the amount of experience and talent within the team.

Reese Wisniewski leads the way and could end up the leader in all-time goals, assists, and points in Alpena girls’ soccer history this season.

In addition to Wisniewski, the Wildcats’ senior class includes Laurel Alberts, Alison Borowski, Ezrah Williams, Faith Henski, and Annabelle LaCross.

“Reese Wisniewski and Laurel Alberts have looked really promising so far this spring, and I expect them to be great leaders and contributors to this team,” Supiran said. “Alison Borowski spent a lot of time in the offseason working and fine-tuning her game, so expect that hard work and dedication to pay off.”

Alpena’s junior class is also looking strong, with Isabelle Kocan, Faith Dragiewicz, Natalie Maychen, and Isabelle Liske.

Rounding out the team, the Wildcats have several underclassmen planning to make an impact as soon as the season begins.

“Outside of our seniors, Isabelle Kocan has shown up and been an incredible leader this season, and she will be a huge player in the outcome of our season,” Supiran said. “Along with her, Faith Dragiewicz is a great athlete who should have a key impact, as well. Sophie Kindt is the final player I want to highlight because of her attitude and ability to be a player who is always looking to improve her game.”