Last season: 11-6-2, 5A Inland Empire League District Champions; 2nd at 5A IHSAA State Championship

Coaches: Alan Brinkmeier ('99), head coach, second year; Aislynn Robertson ('15), assistant coach; Makayla Sundquist ('14), assistant coach.

Key returners: Cecilia Dignan, D, sr.; Ava Glahe, D, sr.; Elia Howard, MF, sr.; Hope Barnes, FORW, sr.; Willow Betz, MF, so.; Mackenzie Mitchell, D, sr.

Key newcomers: Vivian Haag, jr.; Alyssa Porter, jr.; Raelyn Olsen, so.

Key losses to graduation: Lilliana Brinkmeier, GK; Marlee McCrum, FORW; Maddie Mitchell, D.

Outlook: For the second year in a row, the Lady Bulldogs seemingly worked their way to the state championship game, falling just shy of Pocatello in 2024 after winning it all in 2023. Despite losing several key players, another appearance in 2025 is not out of the question.

The defense returns three starters on the back line, including two-time All-Inland Empire League selections Cecilia Dignan and Ava Glahe and standout Mackenzie Mitchell. The trio has all been named to a varying degree of All-State teams in years past. The goalie position will be the toughest void to fill, with 2024 5A All-Idaho Player of the Year Lilliana Brinkmeier now vying for the No. 1 spot at Fort Lewis College (NCAA Division II). Second-year head coach Alan Brinkmeier, in his 15th year with the program in total, is confident with junior Izzy Stark taking a step forward in that position.

At midfield, sophomore Willow Betz and senior Elia Howard bring great size and speed to the pitch. It's going to be up to senior forward Hope Barnes, and whoever else decides to step up, to fire some shots into the back of the net this season. Replacing forward Marlee McCrum will not be easy. Look for juniors Vivian Haag and Alyssa Porter and sophomore Raelyn Olsen to have an impact. The same goes for sophomore Maggie McClure, and junior Bayah Ratigan, who returns full-time after recovering from an injury. It's also never a good idea to count out junior Jordyn Tomco, who received an offer to play basketball at the University of Alaska Anchorage (NCAA Division II) this summer.

With Moscow returning every single starter from last year's squad, Sandpoint certainly has their work cut out for them. However, it's nothing a well-coached, well-established program can't handle.

Coach's comments: "I'm excited for these girls, especially the seniors that I have coached since they were nine years old. They're tight-knit. The girls are going to stick with the motto 'play for each other'. If we can keep that going, I think we'll be okay." - Coach Alan Brinkmeier 

On Izzy Stark stepping in as goalkeeper: "She'll do well and is willing to hit the challenge head-on. She worked this offseason on her kicks from the back and her dropkicks and distribution, so I'm hoping that comes to life more." - Coach Alan Brinkmeier

On Hope Barnes' offensive abilities: "She thrives with the goal at her back; she's able to turn opposing players and hit shots from anywhere. If she's still playing the No. 9, her strength is going to be in her assists, which she led the team in last year. I hope she can transition into both an assist leader and a goal-scorer. She has the capabilities to do it and can give us key goals like Marlee did last year." - Coach Alan Brinkmeier 

On Bayah Ratigan's return from injury: "Excited to have her back for a full season. She has been putting in extra work almost every day this summer, putting up 20 to 30 shots a day. Her size and aggression at midfield will help us tremendously." - Coach Alan Brinkmeier 

Player comments: "Our defense has been together for so long; we've gotten comfortable playing with each other. Our techniques mix well together." - Mackenzie Mitchell

"We work super well together, to the point where we just move with each other... we click really well. This group is very strong-willed. Whatever challenges happen, we always overcome it together." - Cecilia Dignan

"The first day of tryouts, I got the vibe that this was a positive and supportive group that works hard. We play for each other on this team, and that's what makes it really special." - Hope Barnes

Most anticipated matchups: Lewiston and Moscow

Fun fact: The Lady Bulldogs are seeking their fourth straight district title and their 10th state title in school history this season.

Sandpoint Girls Soccer Schedule 

8/22 — vs. Coeur d’Alene, 7 p.m. 

8/23 — @ Lake City, 11 a.m. 

8/25 — vs. Post Falls, 6 p.m. 

9/2 — vs. Moscow, 4:30 p.m. 

9/4 — @ Coeur d’Alene, 4:30 p.m. 

9/9 — @ Lakeland, 4:30 p.m. 

9/12 — @ Mt. Spokane, 6:30 p.m. 

9/13 — @ Lewiston, 2 p.m. 

9/16 — @ Post Falls, 4:30 p.m. 

9/19 — @ Mead, 4 p.m. 

9/25 — @ Moscow, 4:30 p.m. 

9/27 — vs. Lewiston, 12 p.m. 

10/2 — vs. Lakeland, 6 p.m. 

10/8-15 — District Championships, TBD 

* Schedule as of 8/20, dates and times subject to change 

2024 RESULTS

8/24 — vs. Lake City T 0-0

8/26 — @ Post Falls W 3-0

9/3 — vs. Moscow L 2-1

9/5 — vs. Coeur d'Alene W 3-0

9/10 — vs. Lakeland W 6-1

9/12 — vs. Lake City W 3-0

9/14 — vs. Lewiston L 3-0

9/17 — vs. Post Falls W 5-0

9/23 — @ Owyhee L 4-1

9/27 — @ Moscow L 1-0

9/28 — @ Lewiston L 3-1

10/1 — @ Coeur d'Alene W 2-0

10/3 — @ Lakeland W 6-1

10/4 — vs. Mead T 2-2

10/12 — @ Moscow W 2-0*

10/16 — @ Lewiston W 3-0*

10/24 — vs. Hillcrest W 1-0 (OT)**

10/25 — vs. Middleton W 1-1 (PK's)**

10/26 — vs. Pocatello L 1-0**

* denotes district playoff game

** denotes state playoff game

    Sandpoint High senior defender Mackenzie Mitchell holds off Lake City's Bailey Koster during a 6A/5A Inland Empire League game last season.