The Bernards girls’ soccer team is setting the tone for a promising season after a second consecutive undefeated summer league run. They followed up a dominant 6–0 win over Delaware Valley Regional with a statement 8-0 win over Warren Hills. Despite losing 16 talented seniors, including college commits Andee Costabile 25’, Bailey Olson 25’, and Payton Zaun 25’, the Mountaineers are looking to reload, not rebuild. Captains Shannon Dill 26’, Abbie Dooley 26’, Jane Stauffer 26’, Caroline Burke 26’ and Bryn Burke 26’ have led the squad to three straight shutout victories. Freshmen Lucy Spitilari 29’ has earned five goals to open her varsity career, and Nora Gasper 29’ has anchored down their defense. With experienced leadership and recognizable young talent, Bernards looks composed for a successful and memorable season.
Coming off a 16-5-2 season that ended in a tough 3-2 overtime loss in the sectional final, the team entered the season hungry for more. Coach Boudreau admits the transition wasn’t easy, saying, “Losing 16 seniors was emotional on many levels. That group helped us build a culture of community and love for each other, and they left behind a standard of winning.”
For Bernards, bringing home the Skyland Conference Divisional title has become second nature. The Mountaineers have held the division crown for four straight years and have their sights set on a fifth successive title. This dominance highlights the program’s ability to grow and adapt, displaying their talent and hard work. Beudroe added, “I didn’t know what to expect without that senior class, but this season has been one of the most rewarding I’ve ever been around. These girls stepped out of the shadows and played as hard as any group I’ve coached.”
The dynamic starts with determined captains who have laid the groundwork on and off the field. Caroline Burke 26’ describes the team’s efforts by underlining their ability to adapt quickly. “The team dynamic is very good, and with many young players I think we’ve done a great job at figuring out how to adjust,” she said. “Our goals for the season are to get the divisional title and win states, which is possible for our team.”
This mix of youth and experience is what makes Bernards a big competitor. Forward Katie Gieble’s 29’ finishing touch has been crucial on offense, while defender Hannah Vinegra 26’ has demonstrated her composure in high pressure situations on the back line. For Shannon Dill 26’ the team’s success goes deeper than skill. Dill stresses the importance of forming close bonds across the roster: “Our team dynamic is like a family, and we’re able to be so close even with a mix of ages,” she said. “We’re learning to be a better team, together.”
Aletha Reynolds 26’ may be best known for her prowess on the basketball court. This past winter, Aletha surpassed 1,000 career points and committed to play Division III basketball at Catholic University. This fall Aletha transitions from the volleyball court to the soccer field, stepping in as the Mountaineers starting varsity goalie. Her first season in goal began with three straight shutout victories against tough opponents, showcasing her athleticism. Aletha credits her teammates ability to “make it feel like they will always have my back”. She says “The defenders really ease the pressure. They do so much to keep things controlled in front of me.”
The Bernards Girls Soccer program’s ability to reload each year has become a defining characteristic. This year, the squad has all the components to secure another divisional tile and chase the state championship. As Boudreau puts it, “Coaches all over the state said it would be tough to replace that group, but I think that’s where the motto came from: we don’t rebuild, we reload. This team is proving the sky’s the limit.”
Bernards enters the season not as a team in transition, but as a program assured to continue the sacred legacy.
