Some new, but familiar faces are taking over the Flathead soccer program.

On the girls side, it is former Bravette player Cassie Congdon who enters her first season as the head coach. 

“I wanted to come back to my alma mater and empower young women through sport, and teach them that the lessons learned can be used throughout life,” Congdon said. 

She takes over a squad that went 2-12 a season ago and sees a dwindling number of players on the roster, though she and her assistants are hoping to add more as the season begins. 

Congdon said of the players she has, there is a sense that the team is determined to grow and compete at the highest level possible 

“I have learned that these young women are determined,” Congdon said. “They are showing up ready to work, they are pushing each other in a very unified way. 

“It’s about how hard we compete in all of the small moments, then pushing to do the right thing in the game, then the wins and losses will take care of themselves.” 

Leading the charge is Chloe Baker, a sophomore center back who Congdon notes has great knowledge of the game and stays composed on the ball. 

Camas Bushnell is another leader Congdon mentioned, also a sophomore. She moves from the backline up to the striker position for 2025. 

Congdon also talked highly of Anna Chivers, a left footed freshman midfielder who has shown talent ahead of her first match.  

Over on the boys side, John Lacey takes over the Braves after a years from the high school ranks. Lacey coached in Whitefish for nine seasons, winning 100 matches and five state titles with the Bulldogs. 

Lacey says this isn’t about him, though; it's about the Braves players adding to the rich soccer legacy that Flathead has. The Braves have won five state titles, though the most recent came in 2006. 

“The game is the game, so building the foundation is the same regardless of where you are,” Lacey said. “We want to know that we are going places, but we don’t know how long it is going to take. 

“Flathead has a great soccer legacy, and these boys are going to be a part of it.” 

As the Braves look to improve on a 2-12 record from 2024 they will rely on their returning players. 

Seniors Riley Russell, Conner Carvalho and Thomas Dixon all are back. Junior Max Bonnet scored two goals a season ago. 

Flathead opens its season Friday with a road trip to Missoula against perennially strong Hellgate. The girls’ kickoff is at 3 p.m.; the boys’ match is at 5 p.m. 

Then the teams meet with Crosstown rival Glacier on Tuesday at Legends Stadium with kickoffs set for 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.