Tuesday, November 11, 2025
The North Babylon girls’ soccer team has long been a force in Suffolk County and under the steady leadership of coach Steve Corrado, now in his 18th season, the program continues to set a high standard.
After capturing the league title last season with an impressive 15-1-2 record, the Bulldogs entered the 2025 campaign with more questions than answers. With seven new starters and a roster filled with first-time varsity players, expectations were uncertain.
“We never really had our whole team together during the summer league,” Corrado said. “We didn’t know what we had until the season started.”
However, a pivotal early-season win over perennial powerhouse Ward Melville quickly changed the tone. It was a 1-0 victory for the Bulldogs on Sept. 9, thanks to a goal from junior captain Monica Clavijo. “After that game, our expectations shifted,” he said. “We saw the talent was there and we just needed to put the pieces together.”
That puzzle is being led by senior captain Kayla Milheiser, a four-year starter and the emotional heartbeat of the squad. Her leadership mirrors that of her older sister, last year’s captain, and her presence on the field sets the tone. “When she goes, we go,” Corrado said.
As for Clavijo, she is a returning All-County selection and a dynamic four-year starter who first joined varsity in eighth grade. Clavijo leads the team in goals with 10, constantly creating opportunities and energizing the attack.
Another young standout is Brook Milheiser, Kayla’s younger sister, who burst onto the scene last year by setting a school record with 10 goals as a freshman. Now a sophomore, she leads Long Island in assists with 14, including a four-assist performance in the Bulldogs’ 6-0 win over Bay Shore on Sept. 27, and has made a seamless transition from outside midfield to a high forward role. “She is so selfless on the field,” Carrado said. “Her vision is truly incredible.”
In goal, junior Alexa Furman is back after a standout 2024 season where she recorded 10 shutouts in her debut campaign. Though she’s returning from an offseason injury suffered during softball, she’s quickly reestablishing her dominance, already tallying seven shutouts.
Defensively, the Bulldogs (7-3) have undergone a major overhaul, with three new starters anchoring the back line. Sydney Villalta has emerged as a key contributor, showcasing versatility and stepping up as a first-time starter. Dakota Rivers, a former midfielder, has seamlessly transitioned to defense, while players like Melania Turano, Utica, and Sarah Hernandez have locked down opposing attacks with grit and determination. Giavanna Pop and speedster Samarah Myers add depth and energy to the rotation.
North Babylon’s strong JV program has also played a crucial role in maintaining the program’s standard. Corrado frequently brings up JV players for training opportunities, even if they’re not ready for varsity minutes, giving them a taste of the program’s culture and a look at what it takes to win.
With a mix of veteran leadership and rising talent, the Bulldogs are chasing their 13th straight playoff appearance. “We’ve been blessed with great players,” Corrado reflected. “Now the goal is to make them believe they’re good enough.”
