The Ashley Ridge Boys are working to replace a talented group that graduated last Spring, but have returned 10 varsity lettermen to the soccer pitch.
The Swamp Foxes have been to the Lower State semifinals the past four seasons, reaching the state finals two of those years and winning a state championship in 2023. However, key players from those teams have moved on and competition in 5A remains stiff.
“We need a big team effort this year,” said Ashley Ridge coach Nate Harris. “It is going to have to be everybody or we aren’t going to cut it.”
The good news for the team is it has some experienced players including some returning starters. Some of them are in new positons this season, but seem to be adjusting well.
Senior Keith McCune returns as the team’s starter in goal. Last season he had 83 saves against 26 goals allowed. Sophomore backup keeper Charlie Smith also returned after having 19 saves against 6 goals allowed.
Senior Landon Shabeldeen wins a ball for Ashley Ridge during its March 5 win over Bluffton.
Others back include seniors Joshua DeSouza (6 goals/1 assists/3 steals in 2025), Luis Landaeta (1 goal/1 assist/6 steals), Nickolai Kunitsa (1 assist/4 steals) and Landon Shabeldeen (8 steals) and juniors Austin Fuller (12 goals/8 assists/24 steals), Elijah Dunkerley (7 goals/4 assists/11 steals), Brennan Awtry (3 goals/9 steals) and Brycen McCoy (1 assist/10 steals).
Joining the varsity squad this season are defenders Kent Varnadoe, Marcus Ross, Parker Williams and Myles Smith; midfielders Guda Batyrev, Tomas Higuita, Chandler Trinidad and Eric Beltran; and striker Callum Evans.
McCune and DeSouza are the team’s captains. They are both first-time captains, but Harris is pleased with the way they are coming into the role. The coach is confident others will take on a bigger role as the season develops.
“We are finding our leadership right now,” Harris said. “We had cut and dry leaders who we could rely on the last few years, but now we have others starting to find their voice, which is the great thing about high school sports. We are starting to learn who is going to step up when things get tough.”