The much awaited release of the division assignments for Girls Soccer was announced by OHSAA on Tuesday. This is the first year of expanded tournament where the Girls Soccer divisions went from 3 to 5. The top 2 divisions have 64 teams each (think tournament starts at District Semifinals). Division V is the largest division with 130 teams (meaning most teams will start the tournament playing in a Sectional Final).
Continental checks in with the 8th smallest competitive balance number 71 (enrollment 68 competitive balance 3). Northwest Ohio makes up 6 of the 8 schools with the lowest competitive balance number. Putnam County League Schools Fort Jennings has the lowest number at 49, Ottoville is the second lowest at 57, Miller City is the 5th smallest at 68. Cory Rawson and Delphos St Johns are also in the bottom 5 in enrollment numbers. Kalida checks in as the 14th smallest school at 80. Columbus Grove is Division V at 106. The top competitive balance number for Division V is 167 shared by 6 schools.
Three schools that were in Division II last year are now in Division V (Berkshire 167, McDormett Northwest 162, and Coshocton 140). The only team in the 2023 Division III final four in Division V is Cincinnati Madeira (Semifinalist). Ottawa Glandorf advanced to the 2023 Division III State finals but will be in Division IV with an competitive balance number of 185.
–Mike Jones, Sportswriter
