Over the past 18 months, the South Jersey Elite Baron’s Futbol Club (SJEBFC) 2013 Pre-Girls Academy (GA) soccer team has proven themselves as one of the most dominant teams in youth soccer, achieving a string of impressive accomplishments and solidifying their reputation as a powerhouse on the field.
JEB’s Pre-Girls Academy is a premier soccer program that trains out of Total Turf in Pitman, New Jersey and features some of the top players in the state. Among the talented roster are local standouts Sienna Bonaventura, Adalyn Henry, and Jules Woodland from Mickleton, along with Lainey Pollard from Swedesboro. The rest of the team represents a wide stretch of New Jersey, with players traveling from towns as far as Allentown to Vineland and everywhere in between.
In the EDP fall season, SJEBFC 2013 Pre-GA delivered a flawless performance, winning their bracket with a perfect 8-0-0 record. Their defense was nothing short of extraordinary, securing eight clean sheets in eight matches, an accomplishment that underscored their discipline and defensive prowess.
The team also enjoyed an astonishing 19-game unbeaten streak, during which they netted 74 goals while conceding only 12. Their powerful offense consistently overwhelmed opponents, showcasing their skill, creativity, relentless pressure, and tenacity. A stretch of seven consecutive clean sheets further highlighted their defensive dominance, an incredible display of teamwork and strategic play.
Beyond their league success, the team demonstrated their ability to perform on the big stage by winning several prestigious tournaments. Their triumphs include the NJ Surf Marlton Labor Day Classic, the 38th Annual Kick-Off Classic, the Central Jersey Invitational, and most notably, the 2024 Jeff Cup. Each of these victories showcased their persistent drive, technical skill, and unwavering team spirit.
Additionally, SJEBFC 2013 Pre-GA made a strong statement on the national stage, reaching the finals of the Premier Super Copa in Dallas, Texas. Competing against some of the best teams from across the country, they demonstrated resilience and elite-level performance, further solidifying their status as one of the premier youth teams in the nation.
The team’s crowning achievement came when they captured the USYS New Jersey State Championship, a testament to their hard work, resilience, and tactical excellence. This victory was just one highlight in a remarkable journey that has seen them establish themselves as one of the top teams in the nation.
What truly distinguishes this team is not just their individual talents and achievements but their remarkable unity. The girls operate as a cohesive unit, always looking out for one another. They have an unwavering trust in themselves and each other.
While each player is highly skilled at soccer, their experiences have shown them that they are even stronger together. Like a close-knit family, they stand by each other through every challenge and celebrate every victory as a team. The girls often remind each other that they win as a team and lose as a team. As one fan describes it, “They are magic to watch on the field.”
Hearing the parents cheer and encourage all the players is also inspiring. The parents love standing shoulder to shoulder, supporting the team, and celebrating the bond they have all created through this sport their daughters love so much. Their unwavering support has played a crucial role in fostering the strong team spirit that defines SJEBFC 2013 Pre-GA.
Head Coach Christos Economopoulos expressed his immense pride in the team’s achievements, stating, “I am extremely proud of these ladies. They represent the club and coaching staff exceptionally well. They have earned the right to take pride in their achievements over the past year, especially in lifting the New Jersey State Cup. Observing their perseverance in overcoming numerous challenges instills in me a profound sense of pride. This team has demonstrated remarkable character, resilience, and talent in surmounting the obstacles encountered throughout the competition. We now have to get ready and GO AGAIN!”
Assistant Coach Rich Henry also commended the team’s dedication and work ethic, adding, “They are a dedicated group, who are a pleasure to work with and an absolute pleasure to watch compete. Seeing how far they have come in a relatively short time is a testament to their attitude and work ethic. That drive they possess led them to success and bringing home the State Cup! I can’t wait to see what’s in store for this group!”
The past 18 months have been a period of unprecedented success for the SJEBFC 2013 Pre-GA team, defined by teamwork, perseverance, and excellence. As they look ahead to the spring season, their determination to build upon their remarkable achievements remains stronger than ever.
With their proven ability to compete at the highest levels, the future is incredibly bright for this exceptional group of athletes.
Player names from left to right: Sienna Bonaventura, Kylie Pavelik, Camryn Bell, Gigi Repici, Reese Berk, Lainey Pollard, Jules Woodland, Lexi Sassano, Maddie DiSanto, Adalyn Henry, Delaney Grubb, Tori Cugini, Kylie Jackson, Taylor Ogorzat. Coaches: Coach Rich and Coach Christos
2 Responses
Wonderful article. I love to hear what the children are accomplishing in our community.
They are outstanding in every aspect of the game. It is a pleasure to watch them in action.