Pulaski’s Gianna Logue named top girls soccer player

Only Pulaski and Shawano serve as the area’s girls soccer teams, but there was still some standout individual and team play that happened this spring.

Pulaski’s Gianna Logue was classified as a defender, but had an impact all over the field and was named the NEW Media Inc. Girls Soccer Player of the Year for her efforts.

“I enjoyed the spring season for many many reasons, one being able to play with my sister (Isabella) and playing under my mom (Kelly).” said Logue.

“There’s a lot of hard work that goes into it in the preseason. Whether that be in the weight room, on grass fields, on turf, just getting touches at all truly makes a big difference and makes the season enjoyable. I love playing with some of my best friends and seeing them daily.”

Despite playing defense primarily, Logue still scored nine goals this spring.

That goal number likely would have been a lot higher had she played forward or even midfield, but she was more than happy to help keep opposing teams from scoring goals.

“Playing both sides of the ball, offense and defense, adds a whole new perspective to the game,” said Logue. “Winning a game isn’t just about scoring goals, it’s also not letting the other team score. Even from a young age, I never thought it was a true sacrifice playing defense, because I was always taught defense wins championships.”

When Logue scored, good things happened for the Red Raiders, with the team winning all six matches she scored in.

Logue scored once in the team’s 2-1 win over Kaukauna on April 4, then scored twice a week later against Wrightstown.

Her next goal came a month later against Manitowoc Lincoln. She netted a hat trick in a victory over Ashwaubenon on May 16.

The senior’s final two goals came in postseason play. She scored once against Beaver Dam and once against Slinger to help Pulaski claim a regional title.

“In the beginning of the season, I was told when I would play offense or forward, it had to count,” said Logue. “Though I love playing both positions, I knew I had to execute my role — in that instance, it was putting the ball in the back of the net. I knew I didn’t have a lot of time when I was put up there, so I had to take the opportunity and use it to the fullest.”

What propelled Pulaski to its successful season was a stout defense.

While it’s difficult to show how Logue and her team shut down opposing teams with a bunch of statistics, the team’s goal differential tells all you need to know.

Pulaski played a total of 24 matches this spring, scoring 71 goals. While that number is enough to win a handful of games, only allowing 18 goals like the Red Raiders did is what helped the team reach 15 wins and their regional title.

Logue’s favorite memory from this spring was a defensive battle against Bay Port in a conference battle on May 4. Veronica Decker scored in the 78th minute to help the Red Raiders prevail for a huge FRCC win.

“That game was a huge team win and a motivation shift in the middle of the season, which will be one of my favorite memories from high school soccer,” said Logue.

Honorable mention

Speaking of Decker, she was one of the other area individual players that stood out this spring. Decker led the Red Raiders with 24 goals and also assisted on nine scores.

Isabella Logue, Josie Steeno and Laci Lemke also made solid contributions for Pulaski, both on defense and offense. Steeno scored four goals and had eight assists, while Logue had six goals and two assists. Lemke scored once and assisted on four other goals.

Trinity Popelka powered Shawano all spring. She scored 28 goals and was credited with three assists. She also served as the goalie in two contests, stopping 19 shots.

Brynlie Boyles was Shawano’s main goalie, making 147 saves.

Kyla Dove, Adison Moesch and Jenna Ainsworth all helped slow opposing players before they got to Boyles. Moesch also scored five goals and had three assists, Dove tallied two goals and three assists and Ainsworth had an assist.

Team of the Year

Pulaski earns the Team of the Year honor after its strong season and regional title.

The Red Raiders went 15-4-5 overall and finished 5-2-2 in the tough FRCC to place fifth. Pulaski was the only conference team to not lose to De Pere, instead tying 0-0.

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