“We graduated an All-State player (Micaiah Fitch), the NTL offensive player of the year (Alex Citrino), the NTL defensive player of the year (Micah Vickery), our entire back line and a valuable player in our midfield,” says Fitch, who is entering his eighth year at the helm and 16th year with the team, “Fortunately, we have players that have been working and waiting for their opportunity to fill the void.”

Three starters return, including Jude Cuneo, David Seeling and keeper Camden Tom.

“There are others who saw varsity time last season and made an impact,” says Fitch, “We’ll need them to increase their role this season. I think the only surprise will be that we graduated so many high performing players from last year's team and still have players returning that will allow us to be competitive in 2025.” 

Fitch points to a productive off-season and additions to his staff as reasons for optimism.

“We've had a busy off season,” says Fitch, “In addition to our 8-week summer practice schedule, we've attended a couple tournaments and a team camp together. We've had great interest and attendance all summer. Also, we have two former players (Sam and Jake Mitchell) and former head coach John Shaffer (2010-2017) returning as key members of the coaching staff, along with Derek Stevens, who is our new assistant coach.”

The Hornets have scrimmages scheduled at Williamsport on Saturday and at Lewisburg next Wednesday before starting their season on August 25th at home against Jersey Shore. 

Despite their back-to-back-to-back titles, Fitch’s Hornets know a fourth straight championship won’t be handed to them.

"We're entitled to nothing,” says Fitch, “so we’re back to work. We’ll compete with enthusiasm, intensity and cohesiveness and we’ll look to grow as the season goes on. We want to be a "both / and" program... with players who compete with BOTH excellence AND positive character. That will define our success.”

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