Denean Koontz
North Carroll
Fresh off her first career state title in 2013, Koontz faced the daunting task of rebuilding her defense after the graduation of eight seniors. It was a project that proved more successful than even she had dreamed.
Playing in ultra-competitive Carroll County, the Panthers finished 16-2, dominating opponents in the region finals and state semifinals before earning their second straight Class 1A title with a 2-1 win over Fallston. Koontz credits a brutal county schedule that included games against Class 3A champion Westminster and Century, last year's Class 2A champ.
North Carroll did it with a roster that included just four seniors, three of whom received major playing time. Despite the inexperience, the team recorded seven shutouts, suffering its lone two losses in overtime.
Koontz has a 223-68-9 record in 22 years at North Carroll, including five county and five region titles.