Cousino soccer’s sophomore class is a catalyst for redemption

WARREN — Over the past decade, Warren Cousino girls soccer took its fair share of bumps and bruises in the Macomb Area Conference Blue Division.

Since its last MAC title in 2011, Cousino experienced a slew of losing seasons as the team attempted to find its footing after graduating a talented class.

High school sports just have a funny way of working like that where one class can be the difference maker.

As Cousino made its descent into the MAC Gold last year, a talented group of freshmen made their way onto the field as starters in their first varsity season. All it takes is one class, and for the Patriots, the class of 2026 just might be that class.

“Last year, we went ahead and had seven freshmen start on varsity, and they all played AYSO (American Youth Soccer Organization),” Cousino head coach John Knight said. “We didn’t have to break it (the game) down as far like, ‘OK, this is how you pass the ball.’” They had some knowledge of the game, and they’re just the heart and soul of the team. Now they’re sophomores. Right after districts, you’re allowed to practice for a couple days afterwards until the finals are, and they were engaged in that. They’ve just been working their tails off.”

The number of freshmen playmakers was a shock to Knight, but a pleasant one as the team finished 7-9-3 and second in the MAC Gold in its first year.

Now with a full year under the sophomores’ belts and now that they’ve adjusted to the league, the Patriots (7-3) are making themselves comfortable and aiming to end the 13-year league drought.

“It’s nice growing together since we had such a big class,” sophomore Riley Payne said. “Once we hit our sophomore year and since everyone has played, I think we’ll be really good.”

Payne has been a one-woman show on the backline after senior Chloe Sakalas was sidelined due to injury, but the twin power of sophomores Ally and Arieana Nawatha have helped overcome the injury obstacles.

Arieana Nawatha has four shutouts to her credit as Cousino’s primary goalkeeper and is continuing to shine in her second season.

On the offensive attack, the Patriots rely heavily on sophomore Ashley Conroy to be the spark plug night in and night out.

Conroy immediately caught eyes her first year on varsity, and she’s shown no signs of stopping as a lethal goal scorer.

“Ash (Ashley) is one of the most amazing players I think I’ve ever had in all my time,” Knight said. “People think she’s out of control because processes and moves much faster than everybody else. If you watch our film, she just jumps right off the field. You can pick her out in a matter of seconds.”

Alongside Conroy, sophomore Jaime Hollenbeck and freshman Ann Baranski help pace the offensive effort.

Conroy, Hollenbeck, and Baranski are just a prime example of underclassmen elevating each other, and Knight said it’s evident on the field.

“They just feed off each other,” Knight said. “Those two (Hollenbeck and Baranski) aren’t quite as fast as she (Conroy) is, but they process like she does. Their soccer IQ is really high.”

Junior Marlana Mieczkowski, sophomore Emma Kulaga, and sophomore Perla Qaryaqos have also been consistent contributors for Cousino.

The Patriots (3-1 in the MAC Blue) currently sit behind St. Clair Shores Lake Shore (5-0 in the MAC Blue) for the top spot in the league.

Lake Shore already got the better end of Cousino on April 29 in a 4-1 victory, but both teams will match up again before the season is over.

Cousino continues to improve each day, and their young nucleus has the opportunity to make some noise not just this year, but for the next couple of years in the MAC.

“I feel like we brought a better attitude this season and more energy,” Mieczkowski said.