Blue Valley West’s girls soccer team brought home a state championship win last spring against Blue Valley Northwest on May 25 at Hummer Sports Park in Topeka, Kan..
After playing Maize High School in the semifinals and winning 4-1, BV West made it to the finals and won 3-0. In the final game, BV West girls dominated the game with their strong defense and midfield play as the forwards kept BV Northwest defense on their feet.
This was BV West’s sixth year winning state titles in the last seven years. It was a good bounce back from last year which showed the team’s growth and determination.
Head coach Kyle Conley said “They [the team] execute game plans really well. The girls are pretty smart and pick up things really quick, so they’re extremely confident. They’re a group that is all in and a group that play really hard for each other.”
According to KSHSAA, last season was a rebuilding year. “We wanted to show everybody what a rebuilding year looks like at Blue Valley West,” Coach Conley said.
As the game began, BV West came out hard, taking early shots at BV Northwest’s goal. Towards the end of the first half, freshman Ava Brown scored the first goal of the game with an assist by senior Devin Monahan.
In the second half, BV West scored their second goal with junior Kyra Berman assisted by junior Addison Hayes. Just three minutes later, freshman Sophia Cocumelli scored her first varsity goal and the final goal made during the game.
“I remember just dribbling and then the shot was open, so I took the shot and I was so surprised and happy,” said Cocumelli.
This win was a good show of BV West’s soccer program. Coach Conley said “This is a program that’s really talented, really successful.” Looking ahead to the spring season, players are ready to get back into the routine and keep growing.
“I think it’s going to be really fun coming back for my second year because everyone’s already bonded and it’s definitely going to encourage us to do better next year,” said Cocumelli.
Last season’s statistics show everyone on the team was able to create chances, get goals, and defend well. Coach Conley noted “That’s what made us tough, because you couldn’t take away one of us on any given day…so I’m just excited because our group was so balanced all the way through.”
As the Lady Jags prepare for their next season, the new and returning talent have the potential to win state again. Get ready to see the girls defend their title and overcome any new obstacles that come their way this season.