Caitlin Dempsey

The right wing doesn't depend on innate skill — though she has it. One of Fallston's hardest workers, she leads by example — hustling and diving for balls. She makes everyone on her team pick up their level of play. (Baltimore Sun photo by Kenneth K. Lam / November 3, 2008)

Hannah Balleza Severna Park, forward, senior

Balleza is looking to follow up on her breakout season. Using her ability to carry the ball at high speed and blow by defenders to get into the circle, Balleza scored 13 goals and contributed 13 assists a year ago.

Liza Blue Garrison Forest, defense, senior

Using uncommon defensive instincts to anticipate and thwart opposing offenses, Blue, who moved from midfield to center back last season, earned her second first-team All-Metro honor and was named Baltimore County Player of the Year.

Emily Cain Garrison Forest, goalie, senior

A year ago, Cain steadied an injury-riddled defense by allowing just four goals and producing a 94 percent save rate. She also had 18 shutouts. She should continue to be a strong, calming influence for the Grizzlies.

Caitlin Dempsey Fallston, forward, senior

The right wing doesn't depend on innate skill - though she has it. One of Fallston's hardest workers, she leads by example - hustling and diving for balls. She makes everyone on her team pick up their level of play.

Brooke Griffin South River, midfield, senior

The key playmaker in the Seahawks' midfield, Griffin scored 15 goals and was Anne Arundel County Player of the Year and first-team All-Metro last fall. Her speed, skill and determination make her a leader at both ends of the field.

Courtney Haldeman Hereford, midfield, senior

Haldeman's speed, anticipation and ball control enable her to advance play downfield and create a transition game that can make a short-, mid- or near-field pass pay big dividends in Hereford's attack.

Paige Hanson Bryn Mawr, forward, senior

The Baltimore City Player of the Year and All-Metro selection is the catalyst for the Mawrtians, who are aiming to improve on last year's 15-4-1 record. With exceptional stick skills and quick moves, she should again figure prominently in the team's scoring.

Kim Markovitz Atholton, forward, junior

Opposing teams don't underestimate Markovitz twice. She weighs less than 100 pounds, but her skill level is eye-popping. A member of the Under-16 National Futures team, she has superior stickwork, possession skills and quickness.

Cailie Murphy Garrison Forest, midfield, senior

Murphy, a first-team All-Metro player last season, uses her size, quickness, tenacity and exceptional footwork to annoy the opposition. Once in control of the ball, she makes precise passes to keep the attack moving.

Kelly Spieker Winters Mill, forward, senior

Spieker is a four-year starter whose strongest assets are her ball control and passing skills. She uses stylish moves and short passes to set up her teammates. Her most admired characteristic is her lack of selfishness.

OTHER NOTABLES:

Cassie Ballard, Severna Park

Avery Burns, Severn

Amanda Calcado, Patterson Mill

Jamie Clemens, Towson

Ashley Dalisera, Severna Park

Danielle DeColli, South Carroll

Meghan Eshleman, Broadneck

Evie Freeman, Bryn Mawr

Jenna Goarman, Mount Hebron

Danielle Grassie, McDonogh

Stephanie Harryman, Southern

Kim Hilson, McDonogh

Megan Homa, Loch Raven

Bailey Johnson, Bryn Mawr

Liz Johnson, C. Milton Wright

Danielle King, C. Milton Wright

Maddie Koch, Broadneck

Nolie Krock, Hereford

Kaitlin Maloy, South River

Lindsay McIntyre, River Hill

Ally Moody, Westminster

Lyndsey Munoz, St. Mary's

Alyssa Natoli, Bel Air

Alyssa Parker, Glenelg

Jessica Patterson, Century

Creaghan Peters, Bryn Mawr

Sydney Peterson, Notre Dame Prep

Casey Pohlmeyer, Severna Park

Autumn Reid, Chesapeake-AA

Jill Remenapp, Century

Caroline Seats, Roland Park

Madison Thomas, Severna Park

Courtney Tomchik, Broadneck

Amalie Trentzsch, Winters Mill

Jenn Ward, Fallston