The Gatorade Player of the Year for girls soccer was announced on Wednesday, June 18, for the 2024 fall season. Ashley Connolly of Gorham was selected as the Gatorade player of the year and deservedly so. The Gatorade Player of the Year is in its 40th season and is the top honor for high school sports, celebrating the nation’s best high school athletes for their success on the field, in the classroom and in the community. The award distinguishes Connolly as Maine’s best high school girls soccer player. This honor is well-deserved through years of her hard work, sacrifice, skill, determination to this sport and dedication to to her academic studies. Connolly carried a 99 grade point average with an AP schedule at GHS. She is also a standout player in track and field.

In addition, Connolly was a four-year class officer with the GHS Interact Club and has volunteered as part of multiple fundraisers to benefit children’s cancer research. She has also dedicated her time to the Animal Refuge League and as a youth soccer coach.

As far as the statistics, Connolly, senior midfielder for the Rams scored 18 goals and six assists her senior season, leading the Rams (12-3-1) to the Class A state quarterfinals. A three-time Southern Maine Athletic Association Class A Regional All-Star, Connolly was the 2024 SMAA midfielder of the year. A United Soccer Coaches All-American honoree, she concluded her high school career with 56 goals and 24 assists.

During one of her Premier club team’s National tournaments, she caught the attention of one of the coaches from the University of South Carolina for her exceptional talent and explosive speed.

Connolly is described by many as a gritty player and a top notch player at this sport. She ended her high school career playing against rival Scarborough in the Quarter finals. Scarborough head coach Mike Farley is quoted as saying,

“She is devastatingly fast and powerful for her size. She’s really good technically and is a lethal finisher. She was the one player that I specifically planned for.” Ashley had some tough shots on goal during that game and Rinaldi (GK) made some remarkable saves. With 15:36 remaining Connolly subsequently ended her decorated high school career with an assist to teammate Logan Doughty. Connolly is committed to play Division I at the University of South Carolina and will study exercise science. Best of luck to Ashley at SC – they are lucky to have her.