June 12, 2025
Local NewsState & National

GIRLS SOCCER: Burwell, Stonebraker on All-Hawkeye 10

Creston/NV Panthers had record-setting season

By Ryan Stonebraker
Creston/Nodaway Valley goalkeeper Lea Stonebraker catches a shot by Riverside's Myah Husz (19) during Thursday's match. Stonebraker had nine saves in the 1-1 draw, including two Riverside shots on goal in the final two minutes.

Creston/Nodaway Valley goalkeeper Lea Stonebraker catches a shot by Riverside's Myah Husz (19) during a match this season (Contributed photo by LARRY PETERSON)

A pair of Creston/NV girls soccer players were named to the 2025 Hawkeye 10 all-conference soccer team recently. Junior goalkeeper Lea Stonebraker was named to the second team while senior forward Olivia Burwell was named to the honorable mention team.

The Panthers had their best season in years, finishing the season 5-12-2. The win total was the most since 2018 and was the third time since 2012 taht they have had at least five wins.

Stonebraker becomes a two-time All-Hawkeye 10 pick after finishing as an honorable mention in 2024. Stonebraker emerged this season as one of the top goalkeepers in the conference and in Class 2A. She led the conference in saves (219) and was second in Class 2A with that save total behind Carroll High’s Marin Overmohle. Stonebraker logged 1,312 minutes, had 75 goals scored against her and a save percentage of 71.2%.

Olivia Burwell of Creston scores the first goal during a 7-0 win over Greene County in Saturday's Panther Invitational. Burwell scored twice and had a team-high six shots on goal in the win.

Olivia Burwell of Creston scores the first goal during a 7-0 win over Greene County in Saturday's Panther Invitational. Burwell scored twice and had a team-high six shots on goal in the win. (Larry Peterson)

Burwell proved to be invaluable for the Panthers and is an Iowa Central Community College signee. Though her future college position is likely on the defensive side of the pitch, Burwell scored six goals in 17 shots on goal and had 14 points for the Panthers this spring. She also recorded a pair of assists in the 14 games she started in.

Lewis Central won the Hawkeye 10 Conference title this spring with a perfect 7-0 record. Three Hawkeye 10 teams reached regional final matches — Lewis Central, Denison-Schleswig and St. Albert.

Creston graduates three seniors in Burwell, Alyssa Gerdes and Lillie Strode. Gerdes was the top goal scorer for Creston with seven goals in 10 shots on goal and 15 points. Strode, from Nodaway Valley, had a good season as well with a pair of goals and solid play.