You’ve come a long way, baby

The Princeton girls’ soccer program made big strides this decade, growing from a fledgling program to a powerhouse state contender. Since opening play in 2001, the Tigresses have amassed a 105-54-11 record under coach Ed Young, and made back-to-back trips to the state tournament in 2006 and 2007. Here’s a look at some of the players who made the past decade a successful one for Tigresses’ soccer:

Forwards

Jackie Arndt, Class of 2007: Arndt was the Tigresses’ leading scorer during their two Elite Eight appearances, notching 15 goals as a junior in 2006 and 17 as a senior in 2007. The all-sectional selection finished her tenure as a Tigress with 32 career goals and seven assists.

Josie Gustafson, Class of 2007: Gustafson, a four-year starter for the Tigresses, tallied 35 career goals and 19 assists during her PHS soccer career. A BCR Player of the Year pick, Gustafson was a crucial part of the Tigresses back-to-back state campaigns.

Ashley Kensinger, Class of 2004: Kensinger can be considered one of the “First Ladies” of PHS soccer, starting her career as a freshman in 2001 with the launch of the Tigresses’ program. Four years later, Kensinger, a two-time BCR Player of the Year as well as an all-sectional selection, ended her career No. 1 on the Tigresses all-time list with 59 goals and 37 assists.

Defenders

Tara Bonucci, Eliza Morris, Amanda Prostko, Sydney Young: In 2007 the defense did not rest, as this talented crew of Tigress defenders, along with Andersen, rewrote the defensive record books at PHS enroute to a second-straight Elite Eight appearance and BCR Co-Player of the Year honors. The talented core of defenders set new marks for opponents’ shots on goal (66), and shutouts (13), and helped the Tigresses to their best campaign ever with 18 wins.

Chelsea Mickow, Class of 2005: A BCR player of the Year pick, the speedy Mickow covered a ton of ground on defense for the Tigresses and earned all-sectional honors both her junior and senior season for her defensive prowess. The three-time PHS captain finished her career with seven goals and six assists.