Over the course of its season, the Montezuma-Cortez High School girls soccer team won six games and vastly improved thanks in large part to the contributions of McKenzie Howerton and Paige Yarbrough, who were both named to the Intermountain League’s all-conference team.
For Howerton, all-conference honors came in the form of first-team recognition after a season in which she scored a team-high 17 goals and notched four assists. The junior scored at least two goals in five games on the season and scored three goals during her team’s 10-0 win over Ignacio on April 15 and during her team’s 5-0 win over Center on March 30.
In addition to her scoring prowess, Howerton showcased impressive leadership skills and served as a role model to her team’s younger players both on and off the field.
For Yarbrough, all-conference honors came in the form of second-team recognition after a season in which the sophomore emerged as one of the top goalkeepers in the Intermountain League.
Also a star for her school’s basketball team, Yarbrough consistently utilized her reach and athletic ability to stymie scoring attempts and keep her team in games.
The sophomore’s punting skills also proved to be vital to her team’s offense, as several of her long kicks found their way onto the feet of M-CHS midfielders and forwards, which set up numerous scoring opportunities.
Crested Butte’s Julia Kidd was named Intermountain League Coach of the Year after a vote by fellow coaches, and Crested Butte forward Karina Davalos was named Intermountain League Player of the Year.
Telluride High School goalkeeper Claire Shaver and Pagosa Springs High School goalkeeper Trista Tulley shared Intermountain League Goalkeeper of the Year honors.
