ROCKINGHAM — Two defensive players for the Richmond Senior High School girls’ soccer team were recognized for their efforts this season.
The Mid-South Conference recently released its All-Conference team for the 2026 season and representing the Lady Raiders were senior Jentry Denson and freshman Alley Crouch.
Two of the roster’s 27 players named, Denson and Crouch each received her first career All-Conference selection.
Together, the two defenders helped Richmond limit opposing teams to just 2.3 goals per match this season.
Richmond finished the campaign with a 5-12-4 overall record and a 1-7-2 mark against MSC teams.
Sophia Hernandez (Jack Britt High School) and Skylar Hayes (Overhills High School) were named Co-Offensive Players of the Year.
Addison Nordgren (Pinecrest High School) was the Defensive Player of the Year, with teammate Emi Demarco tabbed as Goalkeeper of the Year. Also recognized was Hailey Hoaglund (Pine Forest High School) as the MSC’s second-best keeper.
Tyler Herbst (Pinecrest) rounded out the individual awards as Coach of the Year.
“I’m very proud of Jentry and Alley for making All-Conference,” Chris Larsen, Richmond’s head coach, said. “Both of the girls were a big part of our defense this season and helped keep our back line together.
“Defensive players usually don’t have the flashy stats that people look for, but what Jentry and Alley did for our team really can’t be measured. They were instrumental in keeping other teams out of our zone and provided a lot of help to Kenley Smith in goal.
“Jentry has been with us for four years and I’m glad to see her hard work pay off,” Larsen added. “She’s been an anchor for our defense and we will miss her next year. Alley had a great first season and didn’t hesitate when I asked her to move to defense. She will be one of our stronger players for the next three years.”
Jentry Denson, senior center back
First All-Conference Selection
A four-year starter for the Lady Raiders, Denson was the most experienced defender who returned for Richmond this season. She was the lone returner from the year prior following the departure of three former seniors.
Captaining the defense, Denson made it her priority to keep the other defenders and the team in order, while also helping defend the goal.
Not just a staple on defense, Denson was Richmond’s go-to player on free kicks out of the defensive zone, as well as on long kicks into the offensive zone and corner kicks. She scored three goals this season, all in wins over Forest Hills, Hoke County, and Uwharrie Charter Academy.
“It feels great to earn my first All-Conference selection, especially during my senior year,” Denson shared. “I’ve put a lot of time into soccer over the years, so it’s nice to see that hard work pay off. It’s a great way to end my high school career, and I’m thankful for my teammates and coaches who helped me get there.
“What allowed me to be successful on the back line was learning to trust the people around me. We were very young defensively this year, so building trust with my other defenders was a huge learning curve. I had to trust that they would do what they were supposed to do, and as the season went on we got better and better together. I think our defense helped the team by staying organized, working hard and making it difficult for other teams to create chances.
“Playing soccer at Richmond has prepared me for college soccer and life after high school by teaching me discipline and responsibility,” Denson continued. “It has shown me how important hard work, commitment and being a good teammate are. I’ve learned a lot from my coaches and teammates, and those lessons are things I’ll carry with me into college and beyond.”
Alley Crouch, freshman center back
First All-Conference Selection
Making the transition from middle school to high school soccer, Crouch did so with ease. She also made the switch from offense to defense at the request of Larsen, which bolstered the team’s back line.
Using her speed and high soccer IQ, Crouch adapted to her new role at center back and made a dominant pairing with Denson in the middle of the field.
Crouch, at times, played up front for Richmond during matches that required an opportunity to score late. She found the back of the net one time this season, her first career tally as part of an 8-0 win over Forest Hills.
“It’s unbelievable and it feels really good to earn my first All-Conference selection as a freshman,” Crouch said. “I’ve worked hard all season, and it means a lot to be recognized for that. I’m thankful for my coaches and teammates because they pushed me to improve every day.
“I think what helped me be successful on defense was staying focused, working hard in practice and trusting my teammates. The position change became easier over time because my coaches helped me understand the game better, and I just tried to learn as much as I could each week.
“To keep getting better, I plan to work hard in the offseason, improve my speed and strength, and continue learning more about the game,” Crouch concluded. “Next season, I’m looking forward to competing with my teammates again and helping the team have an even better year.”
