Thursday, October 1, 2026
West Babylon’s girls’ soccer team is in the middle of an important chapter in its program’s growth.
Under coach Jennifer Ohman, now in her second year at the helm after spending one year previously at the JV level, the Eagles are laying down the foundation for both present success and long-term development.
From the outset of preseason, Ohman set clear goals for her squad. “We are putting huge emphasis on building a sense of family and chemistry,” she said. “We are challenging our players to step into leadership roles and sharpen communication on and off the field.”
While the Eagles opened the season slowly with an 0-4-1 start, Ohman says the team is finding its rhythm and showing steady improvement.
Leadership has been a cornerstone of that progress. The Eagles are guided by senior captains Sam Serrano and Melanie Jastrzebski, along with junior Izzie Sjoholm. Together, they form what Ohman calls a great dynamic. “Sam brings unmatched grit and energy, embodying the spirit of the team,” Ohman said. “Melanie provides the brains, a steadying presence who keeps teammates calm in tense moments while Izzie has emerged as both a role model for the younger players and one of our sharpest readers of the game.”
The senior and junior captains are far from the only standouts. Nandini Ramesh and Talia Acevedo, the starting goalkeeper, have established themselves as reliable contributors and key starters. Their consistency has been critical as the Eagles build toward the future.
In the junior class, Jenna Anson and Gia Coladonato have been difference-makers, forming a close bond with Soho that has earned them the nickname “the Three Musketeers.” Their chemistry, developed both on and off the field, has been a spark for the Eagles’ attack and possession play.
The program has also seen growth from the Dunsmore twins, as both Adrianna and Alyssa have stepped into bigger roles this season. Once quieter presences on the roster, the twins have found their voice and earned significantly more playing time. Their development reflects Ohman’s mission of empowering players to take ownership of their growth.
Perhaps the most remarkable story of the season has been freshman Maddie Sienna. Despite her youth, Sienna has impressed the coaching staff with relentless work ethic and versatility. “She’s one of the hardest-working players I’ve ever come across,” Ohman said. “She puts her life on the line for the team and can play any position we ask.” Her fearless approach and adaptability have already made her an integral part of the roster.
Looking ahead, Ohman and her team are focused on taking things one game at a time. The Eagles have struggled to score much on offense, tallying just one goal in the first five games. But each match provides an opportunity to identify gaps and work toward improvement. More importantly, the coach wants her players,not herself, to be the voices guiding the Eagles.
“I don’t want to be the one who leads,” Ohman explained. “I want the girls to be the voice of reason. Gaining that confidence is key for us.”
