It'll be a new era for Troy girls soccer in 2026. The three outgoing seniors led the Trojans into uncharted waters while continuing their dominance in the NTL. While their departure means the Troy will look very different on the pitch, the returning eight starters are hoping that this will just be a different chapter of the same story.

"Obviously, those are big shoes to fill," Senior Giana Renzi said. "They did a lot for our team, but I think we have a lot of hardworking girls - young talent here - so we'll work hard to try to still be good."

Saydi Renzo and Alexis McRoberts combined for over 100 goals and 100 assists in their careers, but Renzi is nearing 50 career goals herself while coach Wayne Pratt believes this will give other players a chance to shine.

"You're not going to replace them, we've just got to find a way to plug our middle," he said. "We've got a great core that were on the team last year, and we've got some great freshmen that have come in and are already challenging for starting positions."

They have a luxury few teams in the area can boast about - a roster that features 30 players.

"I'm a little nervous but I know we have a bunch of girls, and it will be easy to fill spots," said senior Jaylee Ward. "It's going to be tough, but we have a lot of younger girls coming up, so hopefully we can fill those positions."

One area that doesn't need any changing will be the defense. Ward returns to lead the backline, while Izzy Renzi proved to be a revelation in keeper last year.

"I'm really excited," Ward said about retuning to run the defense. "I'm glad I've gotten the opportunity to start last year as a junior. It's just amazing to be a senior and get to do it again."

Pratt believes that gives them some leeway as they figure things out in the middle and up front.

"That allows our midfield, and our offense to play freely knowing that they've got a very strong defense behind them that's going to clear the ball right back up to them," he said. "It does allow our offense and midfielders to play with out a lot of stress."

Stella Rockwell, Parker Lee, Haylie Grove, Raelyn Woodward, Kyah Renzo, and Mallory Chamberlain have all seen time all over the field, and could be seen all over the field, especially as they find their formation.

Pratt has already made some changes with Chamberlain moving up to join with Giana Renzi on the attack.

"Both of them have worked well together," he noted. "It's only the second day of camp but they looked good last night working together."

It'll be a change for Chamberlain.

"I like defense a lot," she said, noting that she's played well with Ward in the past.

"We're a good duo."

Another player that's looked good early for Pratt is Aubrey Taylor.

"(She) has looked lights out here early on," he said. "We're expecting a lot of from her, but we're just going to jockey some of the girls around, and I think we've got a pretty good system."

Giana will be moving back, but just a little, as she plays attacking midfield.

"I'm really excited," she said. "I've been striker the past three years, so it gives me a different look, but I'm so excited to make some plays and goals happen."

She knows a lot of defenses will be keying in on her, and is prepared for the added attention.

"There's a lot of pressure with that, but I'm willing to work hard," remarked Giana. "I know we have a lot of young girls that will get the bullseye on their back as soon as they start working hard, and seeing what it's like."

There's plenty of bullseyes going around as Troy will be going for their eighth straight league title this year, but for all of these players, they don't know anything different.

"We've just got to play every game," Ward said. "We've got to go out there, give it our all, no matter who we're playing."

And, most importantly, they want to keep the culture going all the way down to the 10 freshmen on the team.

"Work hard every single game, every practice," Chamberlain said. "Just keep them positive, and remind them it's OK."

ROSTER

Stella Rockwell (12)

Jaylee Ward (12)

Parker Lee (12)

Haylie Grove (12)

Rachel Hinkle (12)

Emma Mickley (12)

Giana Renzi (12)

Isabella Prieto (12)

Camdyn Rogers (11)

Raelyn Woodward (11)

Claire Bailey (11)

Mallory Chamberlain (11)

Aubrey Taylor (11)

Kyah Renzo (11)

Taylor Lee (11)

Danielle Roy (10)

Olivia Inman (10)

Zyra Hughson (10)

Kara Cummings (10)

Izzy Renzi (10)

Sophia Asatryan (9)

Nikki Berry (9)

Alyvia Dieffenbach (9)

Nora Harris (9)

Mackenzie Lamont (9)

Harper Lee (9)

Chloey Parks (9)

Jordyn Sheeley (9)

Kylie Glover (9)

Lael Smith (9)

SCHEDULE

Aug. 29 at Loyalsock, 11 a.m.

Sep. 1 vs Muncy, 4:30 p.m.

Sep. 2 at Williamson, 4 p.m.

Sep. 5 vs Athens, 4 p.m.

Sep. 9 at Towanda, 6 p.m.

Sep. 12 vs Wyalusing, 4 p.m.

Sep. 14 at NPM, 4 p.m.

Sep. 16 vs Wellsboro, 4 p.m.

Sep. 22 vs NEB, 4 p.m.

Sep. 24 vs Williamson, 4 p.m.

Sep. 26 at Selinsgrove, 11 a.m.

Sep. 29 at Athens, 4 p.m.

Oct. 1 vs Towanda, 4 p.m.

Oct. 6 at Wyalusing, 4 p.m.

Oct. 8 vs NPM, 4 p.m.

Oct. 10 at Montoursville, noon

Oct. 15 at NEB, 4 p.m.