Three soccer players from La Plata County were honored by the Colorado High School Activities Association recently with all-state recognition, including two Durango demons and one Bayfield Wolverine.
In Class 4A, Mason Rowland earned First Team All-State honors for Durango while Riley Campbell earned an All-State Honorable Mention.
Bayfield sophomore Sydney Rey earned Second Team All-State honors in Class 3A.
Rowland and Campbell, both seniors this spring, were also honored by the 4A/5A Southwestern League with four of their teammates.
Rowland and Campbell were both named First Team all league.
Sarah Somrak, Emery Miller, Sophie Ragsdale and Carter Neiman scored second team all-league honors for Durango.
The Demons finished 10-5 overall, winning one game in the state tournament before losing a close, 3-2 game to Mullen in the second round.
“Overall, I’m proud of the girls. Even though our season ended one game short of what we were hoping for, we still grew a lot,” said DHS head coach Melissa Halonen. “I watched these girls grow up since they were in seventh grade, and it was exciting to see them become players that impact the game on offense and defense.”
Rowland was the team’s leading scorer this year with 23 goals while assisting seven more to earn her second consecutive First Team honor.
Rowland was also a First Team All-State selection in basketball this winter after earning Second Team honors as a junior and honorable mentions as a sophomore and freshman. She missed most of the volleyball season in the fall because of an injury, but received an all-state honorable mention in volleyball after her junior and sophomore seasons.
“For her to be an All-State member in three different sports is unheard of,” Halonen said. “She only plays soccer three months and is still one of the best players in the state.”
Rowland will play basketball in college for Colorado Mesa University.
Campbell will also play college ball, competing in soccer for Western Colorado University. Campbell was a key piece of Durango’s offense and led the team with 16 assists while scoring nine goals.
“For her to be recognized is a good confidence boost,” Halonen said. “It’s good for her that people believe she’s one the top players.”
Ragsdale, who was also a senior for DHS, made a lot of stops and also started a lot of scoring opportunities from the center of the field.
“She’s a work horse and was a play maker for us in the center,” Halonen said.
Somrak, Neiman and Miller, meanwhile, were all juniors on DHS.
Miller was sidelined for a few weeks with an injury, but still scored nine goals to finish tied with Campbell for second on the team.
“I’m happy she got recognized,” Halonen said.
Neiman was the team’s center back and helped Durango shut out seven teams this season.
“Carter is a good leader and solid defensive player for us,” Halonen said. “I’m looking forward to her playing one more year.”
Somrak was a threat to score from anywhere on the field and finished with eight goals and six assists.
“Sarah has a rocket from the left side,” Halonen said.
The juniors will return to lead the Demons next season.
“I’m looking forward to next year,” Halonen said. “The seniors are a special group of kids, but there will be opportunities for the rest to step up and fill those shoes.”
Liana Bryant of Grand Junction Central was named the SWL Player-of-the-Year and she also earned a First Team All-State nod. Mia Duncan and Ellie Duncan of Montrose and Jasmine Hernandez received honorable mentions in Class 4A while Regan Dare of Fruita Monument received an honorable mention in Class 5A.
