Gitch had 21 players selected in this years all conference team, with another 5 players selected for the Minnesota all-state team and 5 further Honorable Mentions.

Keegan Chastey, Matthew Joki, Griff Pichetti (all pictured above), Tori Thorson, and Gianna Kneepkens were the club's All-State selections in Minnesota.  They answered some questions for us regarding their selection,  how their Gitch experience has helped them through the years, and some of their personal highlights!

Denfeld's Keegan Chastey: "It is an honor to be selected in the top players in the state and it is a satisfying way to end the season. 

Gitch can be credited with a huge part of my development. The numerous coaches and players I’ve worked with have all helped me to get to the point I am today, while making it all a good time. 

The highlight of my season was reaching my goal and assist target (24 goals and 15 assists) and seeing my team develop throughout the year and eventually making the section final. I still have another year of High School and hopefully another fun year of Gitch before I move on to college soccer."

Griff Pichetti, Marshall captain:  "It’s an honor, and I’m proud to represent northern Minnesota. I’ve been lucky to have played at the Premier 1 level through my Gitch team. I’ve been challenged by my own teammates in practices and by playing at the highest level with some of the best players from the state. I feel fortunate to have been coached by Barry Chastey and Dave Robinson for the last nine years. They taught me soccer skill and passion for the sport.

The best highlight has been getting to play my final high school season being Marshall’s co-captain with my Gitch teammates."

Hermantown Senior Mathew Joki: "It is an honor being selected to the team and being recognized with so many other athletes.  I am thankful for my coaches and teammates I have had with Gitch for the last 8 years. I have learned so much in the off season and have made lifelong friends.
The highlight of the season was ending my senior year winning the Lake Super Conference, I plan to play college soccer, school undecided."

Marshall senior Tori Thorson: "I feel honored to have made the all state soccer team this year. It feels good to win the award because I am really passionate about soccer and like that I was noticed by other coaches. Even though this was an individual award, I know that I wouldn't of been able to receive it without my coaches and teammates on both my Gitch and high school team.

Playing for Gitch definitely helped to receive the award. The level of play has made me a better player because a lot of the time the competition in club games is a lot higher than the competition in high school games. As well as the level of play, my coaches have helped understand the game which has made me a better player. My teammates have helped me too because I have had to learn how to play with new girls. It is a skill that I will carry with me the rest of my life. The girls on my team taught me how to be a team player instead of an individual player which is another one of my strengths. 

The highlight of this season was being able to play with such a nice group of girls. I have played soccer for Marshall since 7th grade and haven't met such good teammates. They are all hard working which made all of us better as players. Since my high school career is over, I plan on going to college and playing just soccer or both hockey and soccer. It has been hard for me to choose what sport but I know for sure I will at least be playing soccer". 

The full selection of All-Conference Gitch girls players were:

Tori Thorson

Gianna Kneepkens

Elena Davidson

Maren Friday

Kennedy Lucia

Emerson Roseen

And on the boys side:

Mathew Joki

Keegan Chastey

Griff Pichetti

Xavier Decker

Evan Bjorlin

Ben Harnell

Noah Benson

Charlie Eginton

Drake Schramm

Owen Walczynski

Reese Pinney

Jacob Kidd 

Peyton Marshak

Demetri Regas 

Viet Nguyen 

Also, Honorable Mentions:

Caitlin Breen

Ava Giswold

Erin Wester

Claire Barless

Mary Johnson