No question, Wilsonville's girls soccer team will miss the winning DNA of the Class of 2025, which helped show the way to four consecutive 5A championships.
But with the return of the 5A player of the year in senior forward Camryn Schaan, and the addition of talented freshmen, the Wildcats could be as formidable as ever this season.
“We graduated really impactful players, players that were a huge factor in those last four championships,” said coach Alex Boehm, whose team enters the season at No. 1 in the OSAAtoday 5A preseason coaches poll. “We're a little younger this year, but we're so excited about how people are plugging into the team.”
Wilsonville had not won a state title before its current run. With four titles in a row, the Wildcats are tied with Summit (2012-15) for the fourth-longest streak in state history, behind Catlin Gabel (11, 1994-2004), Jesuit (six, 1993-98) and Oregon Episcopal (five, 2014-18).
The team hasn't discussed going after a fifth title, but the goal is inherent in their preparation.
“This team is really motivated to continue to maintain what's become our program standard,” Boehm said. “No one really expects to win four in a row, but we have a group of kids that really understands what it takes and are willing to continue working at that level. They're excited to on-board the new athletes, and share what they've learned.”
The Wildcats are counting on another big season from the Idaho-bound Schaan, who led the team in goals (21) and assists (14) last year. She has scored and assisted in the last three state finals.
“She's dominated 5A attacking for as long as she's been in high school,” Boehm said. “She showed up this year and looks even better. She's an athlete that never stops growing and developing.”
Schaan's obsession with the sport, and drive to win, rubs off on her teammates, according to Boehm.
“She's definitely the girl on the field that you're happy is with you and not against you,” Boehm said. “She's a cornerstone of our team culture.”
Schaan is among six returning starters from last year's final. The others are senior center back Shea Moomaw, senior midfielder Justine Sheets, sophomore defender Grace Leigh, sophomore midfielder Lyla Johnson and senior goalkeeper Kaia Hix. Moomaw and Sheets were 5A second-team picks.
The Wildcats lost five starters, including a 5A first-team selection in midfielder Tegan Waters. Among those stepping in are three freshmen – midfielder Bella Moultrie, outside back Quinn Bruns and defender/midfielder Reagan Lopez.
Moultrie, the sister of Wilsonville basketball standout Gabi Moultrie, will be central to the team's attack.
“Bella's game lends itself really well to how we like to play,” Boehm said. “Having her starting in midfield is really exciting.”
Others with expanded roles this season are sophomore forward Peighton Olson and senior midfielder Avery Underhill – subs in last year's final – and junior forward Maisy Scanlan, the state runner-up in both hurdles races.
“We have a lot of newcomers, so getting everyone up to speed, and understanding each other's playing styles and strengths, will take a little bit,” Boehm said. “But we're so excited to see how these first few competitive contests go for us. It's a little bit of trial by fire for some of our new faces.”
It starts Tuesday with a road game against No. 6 Caldera. The Wildcats then play six consecutive 6A teams, including No. 2 Grant, No. 3 West Linn and No. 9 Beaverton.
Last year, Wilsonville lost four matches to 6A teams before hitting stride in Northwest Oregon Conference play. The Wildcats are eager for the nonleague challenges this year to prepare for what promises to be a highly competitive NWOC with No. 7 Canby, No. 8 La Salle Prep and No. 9 Putnam.
“I'm really looking forward to our conference play,” Boehm said. “I believe our conference will remain one of the most competitive in the state.”
