As the fall season begins, Lehighton’s student-athletes are united by a common goal: progress. Whether on the field, the trails, or the court, the Indians are counting on their blend of returning leaders and emerging players to keep pushing the program ahead.

CROSS COUNTRY

Head Coach: Erica Pagotto

League: Colonial

Girls

Key losses: Brielle Frable (Misericordia University), Julia Smith

Key returnees: Anna Hawk, Stella Leininger, Claudia Pagotto (state qualifier), Bella Moyer

Top newcomers: Calli Peiffer

Boys

Key losses: Kyle Kuznicki, Bayto Cokrlija, Aiden Eckhart, Jake Lewis, Kai Salles, Liam Burns, Dante Kalbach, Julian May

Key returnees: Bekim Cokrlija, Elijah Pagotto (state qualifier), Sebestian Warner, Coe Strausberger, Adam Danner, Ezra Berros

Top newcomers: Gavin Kester, Elijah Guy, Quinn Heimbach, Derek Spitzer

Season outlook: Despite smaller numbers, Lehighton has a hardworking and tight-knit group led by state qualifiers Claudia and Elijah Pagotto. The Indians will look to send more athletes to the PIAA Championships, with runners already ahead of last year’s pace. Competing in the Colonial League for the second year, they’ll face new courses and fresh opportunities.

Quotable: “This season, like always, we have a great group of athletes who are willing to work hard, train during the offseason, and encourage each other to do their best.” – Head coach Erica Pagotto

BOYS SOCCER

Head Coach: Dave Yob (16th season, 124-151-11)

Assistant Coaches: Nick Hill, Anthony Rossino

League: Colonial

Last season’s record: 7-11-1; 5-9-1 CL

Key losses: Jacib Anthony, Jaxson Strauss, Bryce Miller, Lucas Nichols, Shawn Tomsic, Gabe Reed, Jesse Waksmunski, Kai Salles, Jazier Ofray

Key returnees: Phillip Ebbert (Sr., MF), Sawyer Hoffman (Jr., D), Nolan Strauss (Jr., D), Cameron Fisher (Sr., D), Konner Nalesnik (Sr., F), Connor Dugan (Sr., MF), Ever Schaeffer (Sr., F), Cove Schaeffer (Jr., MF), CJ Strohl (Sr., GK), Chase Lobasso (So., MF), Austin Brooks (So., D/MF), Carlin West (Jr., MF)

Others to watch: Peyton Ginder (So., D/MF), Kaeden Hernandez (So., MF), Noah Glaush (So., D), Ezra Berros (So., MF)

Top newcomers: Chase Bokan (Fr., MF/F), Larkin Klotz (Fr., MF), Jace White (Fr., D), Zoltan Bedocs (Sr., MF), Griffin Martin (So., MF), Michael Bridy (Jr., MF)

Season outlook: Lehighton expects strength in numbers with as many as 35 players in the program, the most in Yob’s tenure. The Indians will need to replace most of their goal scorers from last season and half of their defense. How quickly new faces gel with the returning core will determine their success.

Quotable: “The goal every year is to make districts as well as league playoffs. This year, we will need to work our way through the growing pains and inexperience of so many players. Patience is the key word for this season.” – Head coach Dave Yob

GIRLS SOCCER

Head Coach: Carl Wolter

League: Colonial

Key losses: Carrisa Moyer, Emma Repsher

Key returnees: Avery Bauder (Sr.), Sadie Monk (Sr.), Mylee Lutsko (Sr.), Leah Uyvari (Sr.), Taylor Moyer (Jr.), Cassidy Litts (Jr.)

Top newcomers: Claire Bridy (Fr.), Lilyanna Suarez (So.), Laina Zimmerman (So.), Halle Christman (Fr.)

Season outlook: Lehighton’s returning core and group of motivated newcomers have built strong chemistry through the offseason. The Indians are aiming to improve on last year’s struggles with a more united group effort.

Quotable: “I think we’re going to surprise a lot of people. It’s not about me. It’s not about the girls. They are putting in the work, and I expect it to show out on the field.” – Head coach Carl Wolter

VOLLEYBALL

Head Coach: Lauren Nietz

League: Colonial

Key losses: Lorah Thomas, Lyla Kirshner, Makenna Snyder, Timara Klotz, Jocelynn Kuhn, Vera Hartsell

Key returnees: Autumn Clewell (Sr.), Aleea Yeakel (Jr.), Allie Conrad (So.)

Top newcomers: Juliana Lusakanich (Fr.), Allison Solt (So.)

Season outlook: With six seniors gone, Lehighton will field a young group this fall. The Indians see the year as one of growth, with opportunities for younger players to step up and fill leadership roles.

Quotable: “Some people get nervous when we lose key players, but I’m looking forward to the challenge and seeing who will step up.” – Head coach Lauren Nietz

FIELD HOCKEY

Head Coach: Jen Lobasso

League: Colonial

Key losses: Anna Howland, Brielle Frable, Allee Maini, Natalie Blair

Key returnees: Amber Yeakel, Lilly Klotz, Chloe Moyer, Victoria Nied, Jordan Hausman, Peyton Hausman, Mia Notstein

Top newcomers: Adelenne Yenser, Alivia Reed, Blayr Strawser, Kailey Evans, Kalyna DeDonato, Kenzie Pretko, Lilly Shapiro, Sophia Wise

Season outlook: With many starters returning, Lehighton brings back experience, speed, and skill on both sides of the field. A strong goalie provides stability, while a promising freshman class boosts depth.

Quotable: “Pressure is a privilege.” – Head coach Jen Lobasso