Girls soccer readers choice vote, presented by White Plains Hospital

After a stellar autumn for Section 1 girls soccer that included two state champions and another team playing down to the wire in its first state final, the postseason awards and accolades are rolling in, and several players are being honored.

Given the overall success of the local teams, there are plenty of athletes who've earned acclaim and for whom realistic claims can be made for them being the best. So, before the Journal News All-Stars are revealed this month, you can weigh in on some of the top candidates in this readers’ choice poll for the lohud Girls Soccer Player of the Year, presented by White Plains Hospital.

Read about a handful of the stars below and cast your vote. The poll will be open until Dec. 9 at 3 p.m. and the winner will be included with our postseason girls soccer all-stars.

Teigan Cunnane, Albertus Magnus

The Auburn-bound senior shined as a defensive midfielder, often winning and maintaining possessions, while helping lead a group that surrendered only five goals on their run to the Class AA state championship. She also scored the deciding goals in the state semifinal and final, delivering her team a second straight title. Cunnane is a two-time All-American who will compete in the High School All-America game later this month in South Carolina.

Sadie Essick, North Rockland

The dynamic senior showed her versatility throughout the season, alternating between defensive midfielder and forward based on matchups and circumstances, and she did so seamlessly. Essick helped anchor the Raiders on both ends while leading them to the state quarterfinals and was named Section 1's Class AAA Player of the Year. She scored 14 goals and the last of her 12 assists were on the dramatic winning goals in the section final and subregional.

Eve Girardi, Tappan Zee

A superb athlete with an indomitable drive to succeed, the forward helped a young Tappan Zee squad overcome a rash of injuries and drove them to the Section 1 Class A semifinals. The Central Connecticut State commit excelled despite facing constant double and triple teams, putting up 43 goals and five assists.

Brooke Matarazzo, Tuckahoe

She lit up scoreboards and galvanized a young team while leading the Tigers on a historic run to the Class C state final. The junior forward is a prolific scorer and excellent playmaker who produced consistently against quality competition in a difficult league, and that carried into the playoffs. She had a goal and an assist in their state semifinal as Tuckahoe pulled a stunning 3-2 upset of defending state champion Byron-Bergen.

Clare Nemsick, Rye

With athleticism and a knack for anticipating game action, Nemsick starred at center back and helped the Garnets capture the Class A state championship. With her quickness, positioning, footwork and savvy, she made it difficult for offenses to operate and consistently forced turnovers. The Bucknell commit led a rebuilt back line on a dominant stretch, closing a brilliant season with nine straight shutouts against elite opponents. The Elite 12 selection was also dangerous on set pieces, scoring a goal in each of Rye's sectional tournament games.

Samantha Schultz, Pleasantville

The freshman was an unstoppable offensive force, leading the Panthers to 17 consecutive wins en route to the Section 1 Class A final. With a combination of technical skill, speed and instincts, Schultz rang up 49 goals and 25 assists. Schultz earned all-section honors and was her league's Player of the Year.

Stephen Haynes covers sports for The Journal News/lohud.

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Who is the readers choice for 2025 Girls Soccer Player of the Year?