Winning Mindset Yields Success in Soccer

A winning mindset led the Academy of the Holy Angels Varsity Soccer Team all the way to the 2023 state quarterfinals. Coaches Bill Potkulski and Sean Liddy guided the squad to a final record of 10-7-1 and finalist status in the Bergen County Invitational Tournament.

“They defeated Hudson Catholic in the first round of the state tournament 7-1, and went on to play Oak Knoll in the quarterfinal, where they lost 1-0 in a highly competitive game of soccer,” AHA Athletic Director Jessica Hogan said of the team’s exciting autumn.

Xenaya Medina and Katarina Kondratowicz earned Third Team All-County honors, and NJGSCA All-State recognition.

As a team, the varsity players earned the Sportsmanship Award from the Bergen County Soccer Officials Association.

Varsity players include Sofia Cardoso of Westwood; Ava Castro and Sienna Morreale of Edgewater; Lily Cossio of Tenafly; Sarah David and Elise Kim of Cresskill; Caitlin Deiser of New Milford; Samantha Forcellati of Old Tappan; Tristan Fowler of Upper Nyack, New York; Jacqueline Garcia of Bergenfield; Katerina Kondratowicz of Carlstadt; Carolynn Manniello of Montclair; Xenaya Medina of Clifton; Kristina Migliaccio of Franklin Lakes; Lilyanna Potts of Hasbrouck Heights; Gabriela Rodriguez of Cliffside Park; Julianna Rosen of Dumont; Emily Vonderhorst of Pearl River, New York; and Rafaella Zorea of Hoboken.

“This season stands as a historic milestone for the varsity soccer team, marking their most successful record in over two decades,” Head Coach Potkulski said. “With an impressive record of 10-7-1, the team had four hard fought losses against county champions. All season long, their outstanding defensive performance allowed only a total of four first-half goals, despite facing elite competition. Building on their achievements, the team secured a runner-up position in the Bergen County Invitational finals, surpassing their semifinal performance from the previous season.

“What truly distinguishes this team is their focus, belief in each other, and an unmatched winning mindset that sets a new standard for years to come.”

Founded by the School Sisters of Notre Dame in 1879, the Academy of the Holy Angels is the oldest private girls’ school in Bergen County. While AHA is steeped in Catholic tradition, this prestigious school serves young women from many cultural and religious backgrounds. AHA’s current leaders continue to further the SSND mission to provide each student with the tools she needs to reach the fullness of her potential—spiritually, intellectually, socially, and physically, by offering a first-rate education in a nurturing environment where equal importance is placed on academic excellence, character development, moral integrity, and service to others.