After a 17-3-1 season and being crowned Sunflower League and regional champions, the girls soccer team embarked on its state run, where they advanced to the 6A state championship match against Washburn Rural at the Scheels Stryker Complex in Wichita, Saturday, May 31. After a 0-0 score in regular time and double overtime, the game ended in penalty kicks, where they lost 4-1.
Despite the loss, the team accomplished many feats, with 12 players on All-Sunflower League teams and junior Jamie Ricker and head coach Justin Crawford winning the league goalkeeper and coach of the year awards.
Senior Lauren Welch was named the 6A state defender of the year, and sophomore Paige Frost, juniors Jenna Lloyd and Jamie Ricker were also named to the 6A all-state first team.
The championship game was surreal for many players. Senior Caroline Hooper reflected on the final matchup and the game’s result.
“Losing after double overtime and penalty kicks was not the best feeling, but I feel more proud of my team than sad,” Hooper said. “I’m proud of how far we’ve come and how hard we worked.”
In his new role as head coach, Crawford stepped into the scene as a motivation for players, including senior Calista Marx.
“This season I was motivated by my coaches, family and friends who came out to watch and support me,” Marx said. “Our coaches have especially pushed us to compete and never give up. They have created a positive, focused and supportive environment that has helped the team and me succeed this year.”
Additionally, team bonding off the field has contributed to the team’s success, according to Frost.
“We bonded as a team, even in smaller groups,” Frost said. “Whether it was grabbing food, hanging out after practice or supporting each other off the field, those moments helped build chemistry.”
Difficult matchups and injuries, including two ACL tears and a foot injury for three players, affected the team, including Marx.
“I was faced with an injury to my foot after about two weeks of discomfort, and in the quarterfinals, it got worse,” Marx said. “I focused on recovery, and my family helped me be able to play in the state semifinals and finals.”
Frost also faced injury this season as well.
“Mentally and physically, dealing with injuries all season was tough; it was frustrating not being able to play or help the team the way I wanted,” Frost said. “But it also pushed me to stay strong mentally, focus on recovery, and find other ways to support the team and stay connected. The experience taught me resilience and helped me grow as both a player and a leader off the field.”
Hooper described the difficulty ofthe final matchup and how the team pushed through it.
“We were struggling throughout the championship game, but we persevered knowing we were playing for each other,” Hooper said. “I was satisfied with how we played, as I know we left it all on the field. Being able to hug and laugh with my girls after a hard loss is truly a gift, and I admire everyone on my team for it.”
