Girls Soccer phenom JoJo DeNegri set a new record, placing second as an all-time scorer at both RHS and in the state of New Jersey, after scoring her 50th recorded career goal for the high school’s team.
The senior player’s record-setting goal occurred during the Morris County Tournament quarterfinals against West Morris Central on Oct. 14, 2023. DeNegri not only broke a record, but also gave her team a crucial lead, ensuring Randolph’s advancement to the semifinals.
DeNegri’s accomplishment places her second, after the long-time first-place record-holder, alumna Laura Kerrigan (Class of 1985), whose high school career count stands at an impressive 190 goals.
With her 50 goals, DeNegri has made a remarkable impact on her team’s performance throughout her high school career.
“She’s very competitive and one of the hardest working players I’ve coached,” said Kim Bradley, the Girls Varsity head coach. “She’s fierce, fast and has a great vision of the game. Her ability to beat strong defenders is because of her skills, determination and hard work mentality,”
To commemorate DeNegri’s achievement, her teammates celebrated by holding up a sign in her honor immediately after she scored against West Morris Central. This moment not only highlighted the talented player’s individual success but also showcased the strong team spirit in the Randolph Girls Varsity Soccer program.
“I am beyond happy for JoJo’s accomplishment,” senior Rylie Van Wingerden said. “I have seen throughout the years all that she is capable of, as we have been together since freshman year and have worked together even closer in the past two years as co-captains.”
Despite facing challenges early in her career, including a significant injury, DeNegri demonstrated resilience and determination. She recorded only one goal in her freshman year, but she rebounded with an impressive performance in subsequent seasons. As a sophomore, she got 13 goals, followed by 19 goals in her junior year. So far in her senior season, she has already scored 17 goals, solidifying her position as one of the top players in the state.
“I hate that I had to sit out of most of my freshman year with injury, as I knew these four years would go by quickly,” DeNegri said. “Playing on my high school team alongside my teammates has been one of the best experiences of my soccer career. I always wear the Randolph jersey with such pride, and I will always cherish the memories made.”
JoJo DeNegri’s journey exemplifies dedication and hard work, and her continued success promises an exciting future for both her and the Randolph Girls Varsity Soccer team as they advance through their season.
