Walton goalkeeper Graycen Ehlen was an unlikely preseason pick for Cobb County Player of the Year, but after her phenomenal senior season and a state championship performance that delivered the Lady Raiders their first state title since 1993 she has been voted to receive this year’s award. Ehlen played four varsity seasons for Walton soccer, but had to wait for the starting job to open up this season to step into the spotlight. Life University signee Elora Niederpruem was previously the starter for the Raiders and Elhen patiently waited for her turn, according to head coach Jason Page—who was voted as Coach of the Year
“She patiently waited for her moment, said Page. “She made the most of it.”
Elhen also starred on the hardwood for Walton and was an all-region and all-county selection. Her ability in the goal this season was also recognized and she has since signed with Ole Miss to play soccer in Starkville next fall.
During her senior season, Ehlen recorded 14 shutouts in 20 total games and allowed just six goals. A 2-0 loss at Roswell in March before Walton’s six-game unbeaten-streak to the finals was the only opponent that scored two goals on Ehlen and the Raiders this season.
“Our back line was really solid, so I trusted them, which allowed me to perform to my potential and gave me more confidence,” said Ehlen.
In the state championship against Buford, Walton scored a 4-2 victory in penalty kicks to secure the title. Ehlen had two saves in the shootout that helped Walton win its first state title in 33 years.
“We had lost in penalty kicks in previous years, so we had made that a big priority to practice them,” explained Ehlen.
2025 All-Cobb County Girls Soccer Team
Player of the Year: Graycen Ehlen, Walton
Coach of the Year: Jason Page, Walton
All-County Team:
Forward: Jillian Kluth, Lassiter; Maci Tucker, Hillgrove; Alexis Lugonzo, Hillgrove; Caroline Shaw, Harrison; Sarah Houston, Harrison; Sydney Snow, Harrison; Presley Neese, Allatoona; Reese Denson, Allatoona; Haidyn Jenkins, Walton; Alexa DeJoseph, Pope; Zoe Parham, North Cobb
Midfield: Mireya Stephenson, Campbell; Ava Stack, Allatoona; Averee Rainge, Hillgrove; Maliah Moukarzel, Allatoona; Emily Baxter, Whitefield Academy; Nicole Noorbehesht, Walton; Ashlyn Hule, Lassiter; Maci Tucker, Hillgrove; Taysha Souza, North Cobb Christian; Alexis Shafer, Mount Paran Christian; Addison Adair, Pope
Defense: Ansley Pochmara, Pope; Lila Jaillet, Walton; Reese Denson, Allatoona; Hailey Johnbaptiste, Lassiter; Haley Schultz, Walton; Udochi Nwocha, Campbell; Molly Mallebranche, Hillgrove; Lohgan Ferensick, Hillrove; Abby Hayberg, Harrison; Parker Armitage, North Cobb; Marisela Madaleno, South Cobb
Goalkeeper: Malia Loadwick, Lassiter; Graycen Ehlen, Walton; Addie Daughtry, Pope; Ava Wells, Harrison
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