It was a good spring on the pitch and in the classroom for the Hillcrest Academy boys soccer team. Five Ravens were recognized by the Iowa High School Soccer Coaches Association with selections to academic all-state teams in class 1A.

Three Hillcrest players were first team selections. Senior Aiden Yoder was a first team academic all-state pick on defense. He was part of a defensive unit that surrendered just 31 goals on the season.

Senior John Hughes was a first team academic all-state selection in the mid-field. He ended the year with four goals and four assists, most assists on the team, starting in all 15 matches for the Ravens this season.

Junior Noah Miller was a first team academic all-state selection in the mid-field. He led the Ravens with nine goals, fourth in the Superconference North division. Miller also added three assists.

Senior Aaron Hershberger was a second team academic all-state defender in 2021. He helped anchor a defense that gave up two goals per match on the season.

Senior Eli Ours was an honorable mention all-state selection in 1A. He was part of a defense that posted five shut outs in 2021.

In order to be selected, athletes must have participated in more than half of the team’s varsity halves and achieved a GPA of greater than 3.50. The Ravens ended the season with a 9-6 overall record.