Mia Minestrella
Forward, Beach Futbol Club

Junior, Duke University
2 wins | 5 goals | 3 assists

Mia Minestrella propelled Beach Futbol Club to a big win and a hard fought draw against the No. 6 team in the West Region. The Duke junior contributed to eight of the ten goals Beach scored in both games. Minestrella finished the regular season as Beach’s leading scorer.

 

“Mia proves why she wears the captain armband,” Sergio Livings, Beach Futbol Coach assistant coach, said. “She leads by example, grinding on/off the ball, and lifts the level of everyone around her. She's confident, she takes care of her teammates and overall is an inspiring figure on and off the field.”

 

In Friday’s matchup at No. 6 San Diego Dons, Minestrella opened the scoring in the 34’ then assisted on Beach’s second goal in the 42’ to double its lead at half. Two days later in its second match of the week, Minestrella tallied four goals and two assists to contribute to six goals in the 7-0 win.

Minestrella recorded 12 goals in Duke’s 2024 season as a sophomore and tallied seven assists over 22 games played. Minestrella helped the Blue Devils to a NCAA Women’s College Cup berth and ACC Regular Season Title.

 

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Remi Cherkas

Defender, SJEB FC

Sophomore, University of Rochester

2 wins | 1 goal | 1 assist

 

Remi Cherkas led SJEB FC to a division title clinch and ended the regular season with two big wins that showcased a solid defensive front. Cherkas’ backline only allowed a single goal while she was on the field. Additionally, Cherkas also contributed offensively and recorded a goal and assist on the week.

 

“Remi was a big part of our success in the two games this week and came up with some big time saves to keep the clean sheets,” Bill Shute, SJEB FC head coach, said.

In the 2024 collegiate season, Cherkas started in 16 of 18 games played for the University of Rochester as a freshman while recording nearly 1400 minutes. Cherkas contributions helped Rochester to nine shutouts on the season and allow just 0.856 goals/game.