A perfect storm of talent, tradition and heart formed over Peddie’s soccer fields that fall. Strengthened by Ray Cabot’s energetic coaching, the 2001 Girls’ Soccer Team blew past the opposition to finish undefeated and untied at 19-0-0. It was the first perfect season in the storied history of Peddie Girls’ Soccer.

In Coach Cabot’s words, “The strength of the team was its character and mental fortitude. While it had a remarkable collection of athletic talent, the team also embodied incredible mental toughness, commitment to the team, and a passion for one another that carried them to greatness. They stepped onto the field with unwavering focus and determination that overwhelmed every opponent.”

Despite the remarkable strength of schedule they faced, Cabot’s team defeated top New Jersey public schools Roxbury, Tom’s River North and Piscataway, as well as Pennsylvania powers Germantown Academy, Conwell-Egan and Archbishop Ryan. Enroute to Peddie’s fourth consecutive State Prep A and MAPL championships, they outscored the competition 83-8.

Even New Jersey’s number-one team, East Brunswick High School, never knew what hit them. The nationally-ranked Bears evened it up after Peddie took a 1-0 lead on Seraphine Hamilton’s goal off a Jill Mansfield precision flip throw. But then Whitney Douthett scored twice to secure the win, first off a corner assisted by Courtney Jackson, and second off another Mansfield precision flip throw. Brittany Besler made 14 saves while Titi Wilson shut down National Team player Heather O’Reilly.

The girls of 2001 left a lasting legacy. They were ranked the #1 Prep team in America by Student Sports Magazine. Their 18 returning letter winners extended a 40-game unbeaten streak that began in October of 2000 and continued into mid-season 2002. Junior team leader Whitney Douthett was recognized as All-Area and All-Prep Player of the Year by both the Trentonian and the Trenton Times. Twelve of her teammates also received post-season honors, and nine went on to play in top-level collegiate programs.

The 2001 Girls’ Soccer team may well have been Ray Cabot’s masterpiece. And now they join him in the Peddie Sports Hall of Fame.