Head Coach: Ed Burke (6th) year
Assistant Coaches:
Charmane Burke
Mike Quirk
Dan Fox
Sport: Soccer (B)
Team Name: Nativity Hilltoppers
League: Schuylkill
2021 Record: 16-5 *school historical best in 30 years*
Key Players Lost:
Brandon Tufts -Centerback
Luke Sajone – Goalkeeper
Diego Olayo- Striker
David Monjarez – Fullback
Key Returning Players:
Jesus Meza- Senior *CAPTAIN* Striker/Midfield
8 goals, 8 assists
“Jesus is a complete team player and fantastic leader who will play any position needed for his team. A seriously fast striker who can finish in high pressure situations. This should be a breakout season for him”
Ethan Grabowski-Junior *Captain* Midfield/striker
5 goals, 13 assists( * #1 in assists for the Schuylkill league both divisions)
“Ethan is our top playmaker that can create in any situation and is a dangerous striker who can find the net at any angle. The most unselfish player who wears team pride on his shoulders.
Led the league in assists and will no doubt be a player we look to on many occasions this season.”
Michael Kadziela-Junior *Captain* Midfield/Striker (13) goals * 7th in the Schuylkill league
Kadzy is a top league threat not only with scoring but with creative footwork and skills. A total soccer dedicated player who also Plays for Reading Rage.
Creative in the Midfield and hungry as a striker.
Talented in all 11 positions on the pitch.
“Kadzy will crush his numbers from last season, we will look for him to be very versatile and interchangeable”
Cole Wagner- Junior Wingback
A definite unsung hero and so valuable in defense with the speed to attack from the back.
Total team player who has the ability to run down the best strikers and disrupt the attack.
“We will look to Cole many times this year to make game changing moves and pressure the opponent with speed and endurance. Cole is a Viking with a horned helmet and will make the opponent think twice about attacking his side”
Johnny Burke-Sophmore Centerback
Nicknamed….’THE HOUSE’ …Good luck trying to beat this player down the middle! A player who has grown into owning a position with passion, understanding and vision. Not only the nucleus of our Defense but a threat on set plays.
“House is no doubt one of the best natural defenders i have EVER coached! His growth as a player continues to amaze me”
Nolan Kokitus- Junior Goalkeeper
A versatile player who will deliver in any situation for his team and will make you better by just being around him. Hardworking, unselfish and positive energy 24/7
“KOKO is one of the most unselfish players i have ever had the pleasure of coaching. He IS the total team player who is going to carry his team into the post season with his goalkeeping and brotherhood mentality.”
Ayden Zamudio-Sophomore Striker
(19) goals ** 3rd in the Schuylkill league
So smooth and talented with a good set of foot skills with a dangerous finishing percentage.
” Ayden is a breakout player with a cool under pressure approach. His stats are a definite representation of his game play”
Dillon Teter-Junior Winger
A player who runs on high octane and will never give up the fight. Dangerous on the wing but will contribute to any role needed.
“…’Joe’…as we call him will deliver big this season! This guy will see end of season honors”
Joan Menjivar- Sophomore Striker
A talented year round player who will compete for a starting position. A talented Midfield player who can find the net.
Brad Monjaraz-Junior Striker
The 3rd in a line of great of brothers who have been part of this program. Brad will be a total season contributors.
Key Newcomers:
Kevin Gasca -Freshman striker
quick,crafting player who can no doubt compete for a starting position.
Spencer Mathers- Junior Fullback
A great addition to our backline with power, strength and energy.
Dylan Higgins-Junior Fullback
A very game smart healthy addition to our Defense with quick game changing skills
2022 Outlook: “TWO time Division 2 CHAMPION Nativity Hilltoppers should be a favorite to 3peat and punch their ticket to another Schuylkill league playoff game.”
“The boys on the ‘Hill’ will look to make their first ever Schuylkill league final if we play our game and reach our team goals. The climb to greatness is high but we are willing to go the distance.”
Photo courtesy of Mary Sajone
