COLUMN: Non-football athletes to watch in the area in fall 2025
Soccer, cross-country, golf, and volleyball have also started their 2025 preparations and season schedules, along with those hitting the gridiron. Just like football, I have some players to keep an eye on during the upcoming fall sports season in our coverage area (in no particular order).
Ella Miller, senior, Morgantown girls' soccer
Miller is entering her second season at Morgantown High after 31 goal involvements (21g, 10a) in 2024 as a junior. The class of 2025 striker returns for the Mohigans this season and has the potential to lead the state in goals her senior year. If MHS wants to return to the top of the mountain in Class AAAA girls' soccer, Miller will be a massive factor in that happening.
Ethan Conroy, senior, University boys' cross-country
Conroy has become a talisman for the University boys' cross-country team during his first three seasons. The returning senior took fifth in the state in Class AAA last season to help lead UHS to its sixth-straight boys' cross-country state championship. Conroy has taken home a top 10 finish at the state championship meet each year of his career for the Hawks and could join an elite list of runners to tally four top 10 finishes at the state level for UHS.
Austin Porta, senior, Trinity Christian soccer
Porta didn't begin playing soccer until high school, but quickly took to the sport and became an attacking threat for Trinity Christian. With a group of experienced seniors back for TCS on the pitch this season, and with another year of experience under his belt, Porta can be a difference for the Warriors up front and could tally double-digit goals in 2025.
Ginger Gross, senior, Clay-Battelle volleyball
In 2024, Gross became the second Clay-Battelle volleyball player in program history to be named first-team all-state. She returns in 2025 to lead the Cee-Bees, and I would be crazy not to include the senior libero on this list. Gross is a fun player to watch and brings a little bit of energy to her team on the court. I expect another solid season for her.
Ava Turner, sophomore, Preston girls' soccer
Turner is most known for her talent on the wrestling mat, but is also a talented soccer player and a captain of the PHS girls' soccer team as a sophomore in 2025. Turner plays in the offseason with BVB West Virginia, a travel soccer club in the Morgantown area, and enters the fall with an improved Preston roster and another year of experience. I'll be keeping an eye on Turner and the Knights this season.
Leah Greeny, sophomore, Morgantown volleyball
Morgantown High will have its weapons on the volleyball court this season, and Greeny will be one on both sides of the ball. Daughter of WVU head coach Jen Greeny, the sophomore returns in 2025 after a successful freshman season. Greeny helped the Mohigans reach the Class AAAA state championship game despite battling some minor injury issues all fall. She will be a force at the net both offensively and defensively for MHS, and if able to play a full season, could contend for first-team all-state and even player of the year honors.
Riley Braham, junior, University volleyball
The University volleyball team lost an experienced class of 2025 seniors and will lean on some of its returning players who have varsity experience. Braham has the potential to be a breakout player in the area and state. I think Braham can use her height and wingspan to be a force on both sides of the net for UHS.
Lainey Jackson, junior, Trinity Christian volleyball
Jackson returns for the Warriors after earning all-state honorable mention last season as one of the top liberos in Class A. Jackson helped lead TCS to 33 wins and a regional championship appearance. She will be one of a few players who will impact the court for TCS in 2025 and could have a big year.
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