2026 Girls Soccer Defensive Player of the Year: Naomi Shanewise

Now that the spring sports season has come to a close, it’s time to reveal the All-Coastal Preps teams. Over the next week, you will get to know more about the players of the year while also seeing who made first and second team in boys golf, boys tennis, boys and girls lacrosse, boys and girls track & field, girls soccer, softball, and baseball.

For the second year in a row, the Coastal Preps Girls Soccer Defensive Player of the Year is junior goalkeeper Naomi Shanewise from Cape Fear Academy.

Naomi’s Accomplishments

Naomi Shanewise continues to leave no doubt that she is not only the best goalkeeper in the area, but one of the most talented in the entire state. 

The junior allowed only six goals in 1,605 minutes and finished with 65 saves to help Cape Fear Academy finish 18-1-1 and reach the NCISAA 3A State Championship for a third consecutive year. 

Shanewise opened the season with five consecutive clean sheets and ended the season with a remarkable 14. 

She made a season-high eight saves to lead the Hurricanes to a season-opening 1-0 victory at Topsail on March 3.

More about Naomi

Favorite Restaurant(s): Aye! Toro Tacos & Tequila

Favorite Movie(s): All the Pitch Perfects

Favorite TV Show(s): SpongeBob SquarePants

Favorite Athlete(s): Jackie Robinson

Favorite memory from this season: Being able to make a new handshake with Everlee, and when Milly scored the last minute goal in the semis.

Favorite memory from your career: When we beat Coastal Christian in PKs two years ago.

Favorite thing about your school or team: How we are all one big family and so connected.

Do you have any superstitions or pre-game rituals? If so, what are they?: I always do the handshake, high five all of my teammates, and Milly and Priya shoot on goal.

What app on your phone do you use the most?: Instagram

Where is one place you’ve never been that you’d like to visit?: New Zealand

Do you prefer cold or hot weather?: Hot

Would you rather watch a movie at home or in the theater?: Theater

Do you have a sweet tooth? If so, what is your favorite treat?: Lollipops

If you could have dinner with any 3 people (dead or alive), who would they be?: Jackie Robinson, Abe Lincoln, and Rosa Parks

What 3 items would you bring with you to a deserted island?: Flint, food, and water

What is your favorite milkshake flavor from Cook Out?: Oreo Mint

What is one thing you want people to know about you besides being a great athlete?: I want people to know that I am kind and smart.