The soccer season opens up their schedule this weekend in the Oil City as Star Valley athletes will be in Casper to play their first two matches. The Lady Braves and Braves will be on the campus of Kelly Walsh High School on Friday with start times of 4 and 6 p.m. respectively. The squads will then have morning games at Natrona County High School with matches starting at 9 and 11 a.m.
The Lady Braves will be trying to get things trending in the right direction for the 2026 campaign. Coach Jessica Bagley responded about growing the program.
“I am very excited about the growth of our program, I feel like there are always positives going into each new season,” she said. “This season we are going to be more tactically aware of our game. Even with a lot of new players this season we have a high level of excitement and some coachable kids. On day one we saw small drills being implemented into our scrimmage and girls are identifying the carry over.”
After having just a pair of seniors last year, this year’s group will include Hazel Ross, Cara Andrews, Caylin Andrews, Ambrey Nelson and Clanci Osmond.
“I am very excited about my returning players,” Bagley added. “They have built a grit and resiliency that is unmatched. Our goal is to elevate our joy in the game, and come out with some wins. There is always an opportunity for success and we know that it starts with our love of the game, and each other. I cannot stress the quality of our Star Valley girls. They are incredible people that make our world better.”
Bella Beck, who filled in several games at keeper as a freshman, will be between the pipes in Casper this weekend.
“We saw her do some amazing things as a freshman and are excited to see what the season holds in store for her,” Bagley noted.
The Braves had a young team last season, a fact that Coach Trevor Spencer is hoping will translate into more success this year.
“I’m really excited about this season, we have a lot of younger players who got a lot of varsity time last year and we’ve added some new guys from St. George who are fantastic soccer players,” he said.
Chase and Zack Tyler will join a returning group that includes Max Matijczyk, Payson Hillyard, Jacob Choma and Jonah Finch. Jacob Howell, who started as a freshman last season, will be back with another year under his belt.
“Were excited to get going and get out there and compete,” Spencer added. “Kelly Walsh is perennially a great team. They are ranked amore the top in the state every year. They are well coached and being our first game will be a test to see where we’re at. I’ve tried to build the team and build skills and I feel like we’re in a good place to start the season but you never
know until you get your boots on and go out there. We’re up to the challenge and excited do see how we measure up.”
Optimism is high from a strong offseason.
“I’ve got a great group of kids this year,” Spencer concluded. “They’ve shown all offseason that they love soccer and want to play. I’m grateful to be around them and try and help them and see where we can go this season.”
The Star Valley soccer teams open their schedule with four road games before hosting Evanston on April 9 in their home opener after Spring Break.
