Photo Courtesy of Chris Melgaard

Written by: Zac Dean

Girls Soccer Statewide Preview

IdahoSports.com sent preview questionnaires to the eight high school girls soccer programs that represented the 2024 state tournaments in the 6A, 5A and 4A classifications. Order of the teams is based on state seeding.

6A Girls Soccer

Rocky Mountain

Rocky Mountain was perfect against Idaho competition last season en route to its 20-game unbeaten streak and 6A state championship. And despite the graduation of several all-state players, the Grizzlies could be right back in state contention with an even deeper team in 2025.

“We believe we have more depth and quality of that depth than last year,” head coach Eric Simmonsen says. “We had depth last year. Yet the freshmen and additions to varsity bring a more consistent quality aspect from a soccer side of things.”

Boise

Boise battled through three straight overtime games in last season’s state tournament, rallying to the state championship before losing to Rocky Mountain in penalty kicks. The Brave still had a season to remember, including a 10-0-2 regular season conference record and a 0.63 goals against average. The Brave lost a handful of players to graduation, but head coach Ali Leonard says the team will be right back in championship contention this season.

Emerson Shirey will lead the defense, with forward Josie Reedy, winger Grace Hatch and midfielder Lucy King serving as the offensive threats. Leonard says the mix of returning and new varsity players already have great chemistry, making her confident that the Brave will be the conference’s top program in 2025.

Owyhee

Owyhee finished third in both the Southern Idaho Conference regular season standings and state tournament last season.

No other information was provided.

Timberline

Timberline entered last season’s district tournament as the No. 6 seed and secured two victories to clinch a state tournament berth. Head coach Maison O’Neill feels the team could improve even more with a large group of talented sophomores returning.

Defenders Jade Vachek and Francesca Truax graduated, but seniors Mackenzie Hildebrand and Maura Walters keep the back line intact. And O’Neill is moving other positional players to defense, which should help her 2025 goal of a better goals against average.

Bishop Kelly

Bishop Kelly had plenty of success in their jump to Idaho’s top classification last season, including an upset of Boise in the Southern Idaho Conference district semifinals and state tournament appearance.

Senior midfielder Erin DiVittorio and junior forward Kenzie Hill have the skillsets to score from any range. That will be crucial this season since senior Caitlin Staats will be out due to injury. Senior center back Mary Higgins returns and she’ll be tasked with leading the defensive rebuild after the graduation of multiple players.

Lake City

Lake City outlasted Coeur d’Alene in the battle of the 2-team 6A Inland Empire League last season, securing the state tournament berth and claiming the consolation trophy.

Head coach Matt Ruchti believes the Timberwolves will run it back in 2025. Senior forward Baily Koster is the main threat up top, with senior defenders Emmie Rakes and Kamryn Kirk as the 1-2 punch of the back line. Ruchti says the team will implement different sets of lineups this season, including multiple players playing multiple spots.

Highland

Highland was an overtime period away from upsetting state tournament runner-up Boise in last season’s state quarterfinals. Despite the loss, the High Country Conference champions entered the state tournament on a 8-game unbeaten streak and look to keep the momentum going this season.

10 of last season’s starting 11 are back, headlined by the talented back line of Gracee Anderson, Oakli Briscoe, Cecelia Pena and Ava Flores. Offensively, the senior trio of Devree Bell, Peyton Looney and Lauren Flores provide plenty of speed to take over games. And head coach Matt Shutes says the Rams are even deeper this season, starting with freshman midfielder Laynie Kunz.

Madison

Star players Lannea Dummar and Maggie Anderson were part of Madison’s large senior class that graduated this spring. Now Madison turns to new faces to fill the gaps. The Bobcat’s 2024 leading scorer in sophomore forward Kesli Birch returns, and she’ll have Laney Serrano and Aizlyn Pincock as added offensive support.

Junior defender Brooke Robinson and senior goalkeeper Saurey Hawkins headline the defense. New varsity starters will be helping Robinson with the back line, but head coach Jaymon Birch is confident the revamp will be a strength of the team.

5A Girls Soccer

Middleton

Middleton cruised to 16 wins in its first 18 games before a surprise state semifinal loss to Sandpoint in penalty kicks. A revenge season could be in store for head coach Adam Fullmer and company, as the Vikings return their “gritty” defensive line and goalkeeper Megan Stewart.

Goal scorers will be the question, as the attacking trio of Addie McCallister, Ty Quarders and Elsie Wyatt graduated. Abby Linderman and Brinklie Steele will keep the offense afloat, but Fullmer says other players will have to step up.

Lewiston

The Bengals tied Pocatello and Hillcrest with the most wins in the 5A classification last season with 17. Head coach Scott Wimer says the 2024 team broke a school record with 84 goals scored, and the return of their large senior class could reproduce those offensive fireworks in 2025.

Seniors Trinity Bonebrake, Jessa Hartwig and Brynn Wimer return for the offense, and the addition of senior forward Liv Lukehart gives the Bengals another weapon. Midfielders Avery Lathen and Mady Bruce add depth to the midfield. Defensively, senior defender Lizzy Roy and senior goalkeeper Taylor Busser lead the way.

Pocatello

The Thunder rumbled their way through last season’s state tournament, securing three straight shutout victories and the state title. This season they return their offensive 1-2 punch in junior forward Aryanna Gonzalez and junior center midfielder Brynlee Pool. And head coach Mark Wetstein is excited about the youth of the new-look team.

“As defending state champs, we have a target on our back,” Wetstein says. “Coaches will remember that we lost 15 seniors and bank on our overall lack of experience. This program is not going to go through a ‘rebuilding year’ though. Our x-factor is how different of a team (we are) compared to last year, but just as talented.”

Sandpoint

Sandpoint returns the bulk of its team after finishing as 5A state runner-up last season. Head coach Alan Brinkmeier says the starting defensive four will be all seniors, featuring Cecilia Dignan, Mackenzie Mitchell and Ava Glahe. Midfielders Bayah Ratigan and Willow Betz will lead the offensive attack.

The Bulldogs will turn to a new goalkeeper after Lilliana Brinkmeier graduated. Forward will also need to be addressed with the graduation of Marlee McCrum. But Brinkmeier says the program has a large freshman class, presenting opportunities for new faces to compete for starting time.

Hillcrest

Hillcrest is bringing back their red-hot offense that averaged four goals a game last season. Junior midfielders Brinley Nelson and Quincy Daw are as dangerous as any duo in the classification, with Harley Jarvis and Kenlee Jarrell as other goal-scoring options.

Jarrell is one of three returning starters for the defense. And head coach Brian Nelson says defensive midfielder Raine Jarvis adds to the suffocating defense as a “disruptor specialist.”

Twin Falls

Twin Falls capped its 2024 season with the state consolation trophy and 12 wins in its final 16 games. Head coach Christa Tackett describes this season’s Bruins as “fast” and “aggressive” with a handful of junior varsity players jumping to the varsity ranks.

Defense will need to be addressed, as senior Ella Jorgenson is the lone defender returning from last season’s big four. Senior forward/wing Electra Cresswell can also play defense, but is the key returner for up top. Senior Chloe Waters adds stability in the midfield.

Wood River

Wood River snuck into last season’s state tournament after finishing 6-4 in Great Basin Conference regular season play and 12-9 overall.

No other information was provided.

Idaho Falls

Idaho Falls used some late-season heroics to sneak into last season’s state tournament, outlasting conference rival Skyline to claim the No. 8 seed.

No other information was provided.

4A Girls Soccer

Sugar-Salem

Sugar-Salem was nearly perfect in 2024: A 19-1 record (with only loss being against 5A state champion Pocatello), an average of eight goals a game and 16 goals in the state tournament en route to claiming the title. The Diggers may have similar success this season, as the 4A’s top player in senior forward Kamryn Teichert returns.

Outside of Teichert, junior forward Andee Petterson and senior midfielder Alice Johansen are the additional offensive weapons. The defense loses center back Isabelle Tuttle and goalkeeper Nika Nead to graduation, but defenders Paige Birch and Raegan Harris return. Head coach Scott Terry says the team’s depth will be the x-factor, as the mix of returning and incoming players could spark another dominant season.

Fruitland

Fruitland finished first in the Snake River Valley Conference after an impressive 11-0-1 record in regular season play last season. The Grizzlies finished third in the 2024 state tournament.

No other information was provided.

Sun Valley Community

Head coach Kelly Feldman hopes the Cutthroats can continue momentum after an impressive 13-0-1 regular season record in the High Desert Conference last season. Both the offense and defense return multiple starters, with the offense aiming for more goals from more players this season.

“We try to play an aggressive, goal-oriented offense that puts opposing teams on their heels from the opening whistle,” Feldman says. “Players like Brynley Gage, Anna Taylor, Rylee Miller and Piper Schmitz have the intensity and drive to make a difference every time they take the field.”

American Falls

American Falls tied Sugar-Salem for a 4A-best 19 wins in the 2024 season. The Beavers were also dominant in South East Idaho Conference regular season play, finishing 7-1.

No other information was provided.

Marsh Valley

Marsh Valley suffered an overtime loss to conference rival American Falls in last season’s state quarterfinals, but rallied to win two straight games and secure the consolation trophy.

No other information was provided.

Buhl

The 4A state runner-up had a season to remember in 2024. Now they hit the reset button with hopes of repeated success in a competitive High Desert Conference. The defense, midfield and forward positions all lost key players to graduation. And Kierra Thompson, last season’s leading goal scorer for the team, is unable to play due to a knee injury.

The new-look team will start with senior goalkeeper Brooklyn Cantrell and the junior midfield duo of Tesla Blackhurst and Lauren Hirsch. Sophomore Pemberley Kimball provides experience at both forward and defense, but defense will be a point of emphasis due to the graduation of three senior defenders. Head coach DuWayne Kimball says the team will feature three freshmen that can make an immediate impact, particularly at midfield.

Coeur d’Alene Charter

Coeur d’Alene Charter finished undefeated in Intermountain League regular season play at 8-0-2 last season. The Panthers also won six of seven games to clinch the No. 7 seed in the state tournament.

No other information was provided.

Homedale

Homedale finished third in the Snake River Valley Conference and surpassed conference runner-up McCall-Donnelly to reach last season’s state tournament.

No other information was provided.

Boys Soccer Statewide Preview

IdahoSports.com sent preview questionnaires to the eight high school boys soccer programs that represented the 2024 state tournaments in the 6A, 5A and 4A classifications. Order of the teams is based on state seeding.

6A Boys Soccer

Rocky Mountain

Rocky Mountain finished first in the Southern Idaho Conference regular season and district tournament before falling to Boise in last season’s state championship.

No other information was provided.

Boise

The defending 6A state champions have the tools to run it back in 2025. Senior Jack Andonian anchors the back line, while Hudson Faull and CJ Zambukos provide versatility in the midfield. Junior Meyer Smith will spearhead the forwards, with head coach Graham Reid calling him the team’s leader of dynamic and technical attackers.

Reid looks to the incoming players as what he’s excited about this season. Despite losing a talented senior class to graduation, the mix of returning and incoming players gives Reid confidence that they are the conference’s team to beat.

Lake City

Lake City stole the Inland Empire League’s only spot in last season’s state tournament after finishing second to crosstown rival Coeur d’Alene.

No other information was provided.

Bishop Kelly

In their first season in the new 6A classification, the Knights finished third in the Southern Idaho Conference standings and advanced to the state semifinals. Head coach Eneko Bereziartua believes the best is yet to come, especially with the return of multiple key players.

Senior Cameron Wind joins newcomers Jackson Stephens and Xavier Bloxham in the midfield, giving Bereziartua confidence that the star trio could be the best midfield in the state. Dylan Gale and Jake Shepherd provide experience at defense with two talented underclassmen battling for the starting goalkeeper job.

Thunder Ridge

Thunder Ridge tied Rocky Mountain and Boise for the most wins in the 6A classification last season with 17. They also finished undefeated in the High Country Conference regular season at 7-0-1.

No other information was provided.

Owyhee

Darion Green navigated his first season as the Storm’s head coach well, capping the season with a third-place finish in the state tournament. Now they return a balanced team ready to cause fits in the conference and state.

Senior Greyson Pew headlines a defense that returns three of last season’s four starting defenders. Senior goalkeeper Corbon Gill completes the experienced defense, with Jordan Shupe and Josue Kuzindila as the top midfield options. A new forward will have to step up, but newcomer and sophomore Dane Lau should fill the void.

Mountain View

The Mavericks were the underdog story of 2024 after finishing eighth in the regular season conference standings. Three wins in the district tournament clinched a surprise state tournament appearance, eventually securing the consolation trophy.

They return their young core this season, with Jace Obenchain, Amar Kapidzic and Juju Pemany all back for the defense. The offensive trio of Dominick Tristan, Amjed Salim and Landon Frei return as well, with head coach Alex Saldana hoping for improvements in goal scoring this season.

Canyon Ridge

Canyon Ridge scratched and clawed its way to last season’s state tournament, finishing High Country Conference regular season play at 3-2-3 and securing the No. 8 seed.

No other information was provided.

5A Boys Soccer

Wood River

The 5A’s top program in 2024 suffered a surprise loss to Vallivue in the state championship. Nevertheless, Wood River finished last season with a 5A-best 19 wins and a perfect 10-0 record against Great Basin Conference opponents in the regular season.

Lightning may strike twice in 2025, as the Wolverines’ core group returns for their senior year. Senior defenders Mateo de la Torre, Zack Torres and Ryan Tenold get one final season together, while seniors Reidar Slotten and Alberto Romo headline the forwards. 4-year starting goalkeeper Ben Torres needs to be replaced, but junior newcomer Elian Servin is expected to fill the gap.

Vallivue

The Falcons finished with a 12-2-3 overall record and capped the 2024 season with the state tournament’s No. 2 seed and state championship.

No other information was provided.

Century

Century was too superior for the rest of the South East Idaho Conference in 2024, finishing with a perfect 4-0 record and the No. 3 seed in the state tournament.

No other information was provided.

Blackfoot

Blackfoot finished last season with the state tournament’s third-place trophy, with head coach Liam Pope keeping expectations high this fall.

Midfield is their most complete position, as Gio Labra, Josiah Ballesteros and Didier Perez are all back. Newcomer and senior Fernando Orozco also adds to the mix. Pope says many players can play multiple positions, giving the team flexibility in the attack. That should help with the loss of winger Enrique Nevarez to graduation.

Sandpoint

Head coach Dan Anderson has high expectations for Sandpoint this season. The Bulldogs’ strong foundation gets even stronger with the return of multiple star players, especially on defense. Defenders Isaac Schmit, Caiden Gion and Gus Penrose all return and are ready to shut down opposing attacks.

Logan McGrann and Pax Longanecker take care of the midfield, with Huxley Hall the top forward option. Hall also gets a new forward companion in freshman Wesley Drube. With their high-tempo and high-pressure offensive strategy, the Bulldogs are sure to overwhelm opponents with and without the ball.

Idaho Falls

Idaho Falls went toe-to-toe with Vallivue before falling in penalty kicks in last season’s state semifinals. Now in year 13 with the Tigers, head coach Ryan Cook is excited about the bulk of last season’s team returning.

Junior newcomer Zack Sleight is set to replace 3-year veteran Tanner Fenton at center back. Senior Josh Peterson is back in goal, with seniors Rex Sessions and Vik Zalupski spearheading the midfield again. Cook says the team already possesses well as a unit, making it a strength that should exhaust opposing defenses this season.

Twin Falls

Twin Falls finished runner-up to Wood River in the Great Basin Conference and snuck into last season’s state tournament as the No. 7 seed.

No other information was provided.

Moscow

The state tournament’s lowest seed rallied to win the consolation trophy last season. That gives head coach Caleb Brooks confidence as he heads into year two with Moscow.

Senior forward Jonas Mordhorst is the dominant force up top. The defense stays intact, as seniors Bryant Scruggs, Connor Horne and Kelton Long return. They’ll mentor freshman outside back Beckett Sept as he gets accustomed to the varsity level. A new goalkeeper will take the field after the graduation of Wyatt Thornycroft.

4A Boys Soccer

Wendell

The defending 4A state champions have all the tools to repeat in 2025. Head coach Felipe Paniagua calls out 11 players as key returners, headlined by senior attacking midfielder Cesar Muralles, senior center back Martin Nava and senior defender Kayson Acevedo. Acevedo, however, will transition to forward this season.

No team gets a better set of newcomers than the Trojans, as Paniagua says 14 players will add to the immense depth. And the x-factor of the season is everyone, according to Paniagua. “They are too competitive and hold each other to their mistakes,” he says.

Coeur d’Alene Charter

The 4A state runner-up returns a dominant defense that averaged a 0.3 goals against average last season. Head coach Craig Daigle says senior Mattis Macmillan is one of the state’s best goalkeepers, and senior center back Liam Hughes gets a boost with junior newcomer Creighton LeHosit added to the back line.

The Panthers will turn to sophomore forward Brooks Judd to handle the offense, but Daigle is excited to see what he’ll do after a strong freshman campaign. He’ll get the ball often from junior midfielder Taylor Smith.

Teton

Teton returns 14 of last season’s players that won the state tournament’s third-place trophy. Sam Ordonez and Santigo Franco will control the middle, with junior newcomer Jesus Melendez joining sophomore Ian Haskell up top.

Head coach Kurt Mitchell says his defenders are strong and have plenty of skill, with junior goalkeeper Kirby Martinez completing the unit. That makes Mitchell confident that the Timberwolves will be the Mountain Rivers Conference’s top team this season.

Sun Valley Community

Sun Valley Community will turn to new leaders after the departure of senior captains Declan White and Bodin Lee. But head coach Richard Whitelaw enters year 34 of the program with plenty of talent to pick up the slack. Four quality defenders solidify the back line, with junior goalkeeper Cal Davis considered the “secret weapon” of the defense.

Chris Arenas and Tommy Hovey provide stability in the middle, with sophomore newcomer Sebi Silaghi adding depth. The midfield trio, mixed with senior forward Anders Coulter, gives the Cutthroats a plethora of goal-scoring options.

McCall-Donnelly

Head coach Forrest Stanley returns most of his defense that reached the state semifinals last season. Kage Stokes, Alex Rich and Will Carrol all return with Carrol shifting from outside back to center back. With plenty of speed and chemistry on the back line, opponents may have a difficult time scoring on the Vandals this season.

Midfield is also set, featuring Eli Arndt, Bogdan Monahan and Sebastian Carheden. Forward Jose Manuel completes the balanced offense. That gives Stanley confidence that the Vandals will take over as the top Snake River Valley Conference team.

Bonners Ferry

Bonners Ferry started the 2024 season with an unbeaten streak of nine before falling in three of its final four games.

No other information was provided.

American Falls

American Falls finished first in the South East Idaho Conference regular season standings with a 5-0-1 record and the No. 7 seed in last season’s state tournament.

No information was provided.

Weiser

Weiser surprised many last season after finishing fifth in the Snake River Valley Conference regular season standings and stealing the final state tournament spot from Parma and Fruitland.

No other information was provided.