by James Tate

Head Coach: Kenadee Thomas

2025 Record: Overall (4-14) Region (3-9)

The Northridge Knights enter year two under Head Coach Kenadee Thomas, a young leader who has brought energy, structure, and a clear vision to a program determined to climb back into Region 5 contention. Last season’s 4–14 campaign was difficult, but it also gave a very young roster meaningful experience against some of the strongest competition in Utah. With the majority of the lineup returning, the Knights carry a rare advantage as they continue building continuity and confidence.

Veteran leadership: Frost’s impact across the pitch

Senior Abbi Frost returns as Northridge’s anchor in goal, providing stability, athleticism, and a calming presence to a defense that gained valuable experience last season. Frost’s quick reactions, anticipation, and ability to read the game make her one of the most important players on the roster. Her leadership from the back line helps organize the defense, communicate assignments, and keep the Knights composed during high‑pressure moments.

With Coach Thomas guiding the program and Frost anchoring the veteran core, the Knights have a strong foundation as they move toward final roster decisions and prepare for a challenging pre-season and Region 1 slate.

Abbi Frost

Additional returning talent: depth, experience, and momentum

Northridge’s strength extends well beyond its top‑line leaders. Senior captain and midfielder Mylee Williams returns after an excellent junior season, bringing composure, vision, and a steady presence in the center of the pitch. Fellow senior MJ Simpson also returns, offering versatility as a midfielder/forward and providing reliable two‑way play that proved valuable throughout last year’s campaign.

Coach Thomas has a solid group of experienced players returning, including seniors Anna Heywood and Leila Cypers, along with juniors Bella Banks, Reece Hakala, and Kayla Stephenson, all of whom contributed meaningful minutes and now step into even larger roles.

The sophomore class may be the most intriguing piece of Northridge’s roster. Harper Schramm, London Haver, and Kaycie Weaver have shown rapid improvement and will be counted on to play big minutes this season. Their development gives the Knights a blend of youth, athleticism, and upside that complements the veteran core.

With this combination of returning experience, rising talent, and a proven playmaker at the top of the formation, Northridge has the makeup of a team ready to surprise Region 5. The Knights expect to be in the mix near the top of the standings, and they have the pieces to compete for a home playoff match in the state tournament.

Leila Cypers

Key departures: experience lost, opportunity created

The Knights graduate four players from last year’s roster, a small but meaningful group whose absence will still be felt as Northridge reshapes its rotation. Carsen Reiva and Elyse Webster both move on to Central Wyoming College, taking with them valuable minutes, toughness, and the competitive edge they brought to training and game days. Their departures remove two steady contributors who helped anchor the Knights through a challenging 2025 slate.

Northridge also says goodbye to Brittney Ropelato and Tielyr Hakala, two more players whose experience and reliability added stability to a young roster. While the graduating class is small, their leadership and familiarity with Region 5 play will need to be absorbed by the returning core.

The upside is clear: with only four departures, Northridge retains nearly its entire lineup, giving Coach Thomas a rare chance to build continuity year over year. Their graduation opens the door for younger players to step into expanded roles, a natural progression for a program leaning heavily on development, speed, and returning chemistry.

photos courtesy of James Tate