The Varsity girls soccer team is headed into playoffs with a 13-8-1 overall record and a 2-5-1 District record.

“As a team, we have done phenomenal this season and have had the most wins in a season for our program in over a decade,” senior Kelbie Black said. “I have been a part of this team for four years now. This year has been drastically different from the rest, not only because we are winning more games, but also because our program is working together and as a team.”

This season, the team has more wins than the past 3 seasons combined. 

“This year, the coach put me in a new position that I have never played in before,” Black said. “This was a huge challenge to overcome because I did not think I would ever learn it. However, with the help and encouragement of Coach [Kim] Burnside, I was able to learn and now excel in my new position.” 

Black, senior Kinzlee Kepler, and sophomore Valle Bales are the girls’ captains for this season. 

“I am proud of being a captain and leader for the team and being able to encourage this group of girls through the easy games and hard games,” Black said. “I am so sad that this is my last season, but I know this team has made history and this program will continue to grow and flourish.”

Three freshmen made varsity this season, and Emma Miller is one of them.

“It feels beyond believable, and I will always be grateful for my coaches who gave me this opportunity,” Miller said. “This team has transformed the program and grown so much. We have accomplished so many amazing things this season.”

To get ready for games, Miller has a few consistent rituals. 

“If we are playing a game that is away, I love to listen to worship music on the bus before reaching the school, and I always say a prayer to myself whether we play home or away,” Miller said.

The first playoff game was Friday, March 20, against Life Waxahachie. 

“My mindset going into playoffs is to concentrate, communicate, give 100% and believe,” Miller said. “Winning the game that got us into playoffs felt like crossing a finish line. I felt so proud of the entire team for all the hard work we put in.”

The girls beat Gatesville Feb. 27 to secure their spot in the playoffs. 

“Beating Gatesville to be able to go into the playoffs was an indescribable feeling,” Black said. “Each year we have strived to go to playoffs, and finally pulling it off is a dream come true.”

To prepare for the playoffs, the team had a practice game at home March 16 against Taylor. The Badgers won with a final score of 3-1. 

“The team had to work through everyone getting sick and losing many players,” Kepler said. “We overcame this by having the rest of the team step up and play positions they hadn’t played before.”

The girls are satisfied with how the season has gone so far, and succeeding in playoffs would be a bonus.

“We have the chance to do amazing things, and I have no doubt about that,” Black said. “No matter the outcome after playoffs, we have accomplished our main goal/saying ‘revive.’ This year was a testament to how we have revived this program.” 

Kepler said that encouraging others and working hard for the betterment of the team are what make a good teammate. 

“I really am just so proud of the girls who have been nothing but kind to each other and who always put in all possible effort,” Kepler said. “Those girls kept us going this season, and I am so proud.”

Black said that with this being her last season, she is grateful for all the meaningful friendships she has formed while being part of the team.

“The best part about soccer is the friendships you will make while playing,” Black said. “Soccer is no doubt a team sport, and you have to rely on all 11 players for the whole 80 minutes. This sport has turned many strangers into my sisters, and that is by far the best part of playing.”