Newsday's All-Long Island girls soccer team 2025

Newsday player of the year: Ava DeMarco, Northport, F, Jr.

DeMarco’s rise this season was nothing short of spectacular. After scoring five goals last year, the Northport junior exploded into one of Long Island’s top scorers, turning the Tigers into an offensive powerhouse and carrying them all the way to the Long Island championship game.  Her scoring touch dominated every match.

“I never really look to just stand out by myself; I’m always just thinking about the success of my team,” DeMarco said. “But that being said, it has been really cool to kind of explode this season, especially because I didn’t expect it.”

Northport coach Aija Gipp said, "It was truly incredible. I obviously knew she was great, but to see her take her game to another level this season was incredible to watch.”

DeMarco's breakout came after moving to striker, a position that perfectly matched her speed, skill and eye for the goal.

“There are multiple layers as to why she’s so good as a striker,” Gipp said. “It’s her determination, competitiveness, her high IQ and her resilience.”

The Tigers finished the regular season with only two ties, then leaned on their star striker again in the Suffolk Class AAA title game, as her four goals punched their ticket to the Long Island championship.

“Those players who set themselves apart are the players that show up in the big moments,” Gipp said. “Stepping up in the environment of the county championship, after going down 1-0, for her to then turn it on and step it up, that’s definitely the kind of player she is.”

The best part for Northport: DeMarco still has one more season in a Tigers uniform.

“I just want to keep contributing to the success of my team,” DeMarco said. “I’m hoping for that state championship my senior year.”

Nassau player of the year: Briana Ciccone, Garden City D/M, Sr.

Ciccone’s versatility has defined her four-year run at Garden City. The Hofstra commit moved from the back line last season to an attacking midfield role this year — a shift coach Scott McCauley says sets her apart.

“The biggest thing about Bri is how versatile she is,” McCauley said. “She’s one of the most versatile players I’ve ever coached, but just as important is her willingness to embrace any role that helps the team win.”

That adaptability, paired with her leadership and optimism, helped guide the Trojans to a 12-3-4 record. Ciccone hopes that same passion and selflessness remain part of the program long after she’s gone.

“Staying positive with your teammates, whether we win or lose, is something I hope I leave behind,” Ciccone said. “That drive to win — I hope it stays with the team and carries on even after I’m gone.”

FIRST TEAM

Mia Claro, Kellenberg, M, Sr.

The Hofstra commit’s field vision, decision-making and technical skills made her a focal point of the Kellenberg offense. She finished with 11 goals and 12 assists.

Monica Clavijo, North Babylon, M, Jr.

She’s a highly technical player who led the Bulldogs with 19 goals and eight assists.

Brooke Doreste, South Side, M, Sr.

The Marist commit dominated the midfield by reading the game and connecting passes across the lines. She finished with seven goals and five assists, leading South Side to a Nassau Class AA title.

Mia Mangano, Shoreham-Wading River, F, Sr.

Mangano finished as Long Island’s leading scorer, with 44 points: 30 goals and 14 assists.

Breanna Mender, Commack, F, Soph.

She finished as one of the leading scorers in Suffolk with 23 goals and 13 assists. She had a goal and an assist in the At-Large Regional Championship against Ithaca, and a goal in the state semifinals against Lancaster.

Maeve Gayer, Eastport-South Manor, GK, Sr.

The Air Force commit finished with 76 saves, allowing just seven goals and recording nine shutouts. She was selected to represent the Ireland U19 Women’s National Soccer Team.

Ryann Zydor, Oceanside, D, Sr.

A dynamic scorer with versatility to excel in multiple positions on the field, she helped power Oceanside to its most successful season in program history. The Sailors earned a second consecutive Nassau AAA championship and the program’s first Long Island title.

Leah Tomeo, West Islip, F, Sr.

She helped lead the Lions to an 18-1-2 season and defend their Long Island AA title. She finished with nine goals and five assists, including a goal in the Long Island final.

Danika Tidridge, East Islip, F, Sr.

Tildridge was one of Suffolk’s top scorers, posting 19 goals and six assists.

Nassau Coach of the year: Danielle Chiera, Oceanside

Chiera led the Sailors to back-to-back county championships and the program’s first Long Island championship. They made their first state championship appearance before falling in the semifinal.

Suffolk Coach of the year: John Burke, Sayville

He guided Sayville to its first Suffolk A championship since 2013, and the first Long Island championship in program history.