One would be hard-pressed to find a sport at St. Dominic High School with a more impressive history than the varsity girls’ soccer team. With 18 appearances in the last 21 Final Fours, and 12 State Champion trophies, the team has been an unstoppable force since its first state win in 2001.

With this year’s tryouts nearing an end, the school is eager to see if this season’s team will live up to the precedent set by years past. Head Coach Greg Koeller, who has helped the girls to victory for 18 seasons, certainly seems to believe so. 

“Make no mistake about it, talented players are the key to building any successful program. We have been blessed at St. Dominic soccer with  many talented players who have worn the colors, and it will be quite an exciting cast to watch compete this season,” Coach Koeller said.

Being a part of such a decorated team comes with great pressure to succeed. While the whole team is hopeful for a great season, the new soccer seniors are especially hungry to step up and prove themselves as team leaders. Midfielder Kaylee Conoyer, coming off of a great performance last season, is not taking anything for granted and has already begun training her body and mind.

“My athletic performance is very important for myself, but most importantly for the team. I want to make sure I perform at my best ability so that my teammates can trust me and I can help them perform their best as well,” Conoyer said.

As with every good team, social and emotional integrity are just as important as physical skill, and the girls’ soccer team is lacking neither. With so much talent in one place, the girls challenge each other on the field, but this only strengthens their bonds and friendship. Much of this is due to Coach Koeller’s guidance.

“After just one season on the team, I gained so much confidence in myself. Coach Koeller taught me the importance of being part of a team and everything that goes into it. He has taught me to hold myself accountable, to communicate on and off the field, to step out of my comfort zone, and to be unselfish,” senior Julia Shoults said. 

Coach Koeller’s unwavering belief in his team, the electric passion that the athletes have for their sport, and the on-field chemistry created by the mixing of so many talents are all factors that have created the perfect storm for a massively successful girls soccer team. St. Dominic could not be more proud of what the team has accomplished thus far, and all are eager to see where this current season will take them!