Bishop Kenny girls win first state soccer championship
For the girls on Bishop Kenny’s varsity soccer squad, history has been made! The Crusaders won the school’s first-ever 4A State Championship in girls’ soccer on Feb. 26 by defeating Cardinal Gibbons. 2-1, in the state final at Spec Martin Stadium in Deland.
The girls finished their regular season with a 16-4-2 record and were ranked 16th in the state. However, it was Head Coach Tom Devenny’ s mantra of “unrivaled commitment,” at the start of the season that made the difference. He wanted the girls to know that he was committed to them and, in turn, he wanted them to be completely committed to the team.
Devenny has coached the team for three years. Prior to being named head coach, he served as assistant coach of the boys’ soccer team for three years and then served as assistant coach of the girls’ for four years. “This is a very special team. I am very competitive, and these young ladies are every bit as competitive as I am, along with having a tremendous amount of talent. They are truly amazing individuals on and off the soccer field, and I just want to make a difference for them in their high school career,” Devenny said.
Five senior players – Gaby Iliano, Haynes Grant, Madelyn Otero, Chloe Iliano and Sophia Hefner – were the heart and soul of the team. Grant, who was named Most Valuable Player of the game, will continue her soccer career at the University of North Florida. She had an incredible season with 20 career goals while playing as a defender. Hefner will play for Wofford College. She did a tremendous job as the goal keeper for the team. Chloe Iliano will continue her career with the Mississippi State Bulldogs. She enjoyed playing her final high school game with her sister, Gaby Iliano, who is also a senior.
Devenny is not one to rest on his laurels. He said he has already set his sights set on winning the 4A regionals again next year and taking on the best teams in the state for the championship in 2021.
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