MORGANTOWN – Ariana Borneo has been one of the best girls’ soccer players in the state since her freshman season.
It was only fitting that the two-time state champion capped her final season at Morgantown High with the 2024-2025 W. Va. girls soccer Gatorade Player of the Year award, announced on Wednesday.
“I was very excited to see that I had won the award, that was a goal of mine this year,” Borneo said. “I know the other candidates were also strong players, so I am honored.”
Borneo led the Mohigans with 19 goals and 22 assists this season. This is the third consecutive season that a player from MHS was named to the honor (Gracie Brown won it twice in a row).
“Morgantown High School has always had a really strong program, and we’ve proved that over the years,” she said. “Having three players from the team to win the award speaks volumes about our program and staff. We have produced some of the best players in the state.”
Recently, Borneo has spent time playing with the Trinidad & Tobago U-20 women’s national team and has her name in the selection pool for the senior roster.
“Last season, I was hoping to lead us to a third straight title, but I feel like we had a successful season overall,” she said. “I held myself to a higher standard this year and was able to accomplish a lot of my goals.”
Borneo recently graduated from MHS and has signed to play women’s soccer for Ashland University (Oh.). She says her time at Morgantown High won’t be forgotten anytime soon.
“I loved my time at MHS on and off the field,” she said. “My teachers, coaches, trainers, and teammates all helped me grow into the person and player I am today. MHS girls’ soccer is like a family to me, and I have lifelong friends, and I know I couldn’t have achieved anything without them.”
