MOSES LAKE – After going 9-6-1 and making a playoff appearance last season, the Mavericks girls soccer team is eager for the fall 2025 season to start. Head coach Alysha Overland said the team is looking to carry last year's experiences into this year.   

“So, I think it just ended up being a lot more motivation going into this season to know what their potential is and where they want to go, ending off from the last one,” Overland said.   

Last season saw a lot of adversity for the players to overcome, she said. With their season almost lost and battling injuries throughout, making a playoff appearance left the team as a whole proud of what they accomplished. She said the community coming together to make sports happen was a big deal for them.   

“I was very thankful for all the groups that came together and were able to make sports happen for the athletes, because it was a big deal and for the girls to still come out even without having transportation or having their parents take them to an away game, they really didn't let it affect them when it came to the field time,” Overland said.   

After graduating 15 senior players, the team was left with some holes to fill. According to Overland, a class of that size is significant. However, she is confident they have players that are ready to step into those roles this season, she said.   

Over the summer, they held practices a few times a week to help the players stay ready for the upcoming season. Overland said it’s good for the players to get touches on the ball in the offseason.  

She foresees a few players who will be able to step into those key roles for the team this season. Miciah Higley and Reese Prescott are rising seniors who will play in key roles for the Mavs this season. Some of their rising juniors, including Lindsey Davis, Kamery Char and Cayla Thorneberry, are expected to take on bigger roles now as upperclassmen, she said.  

“There's a lot of great athletes that we have that I could list out. I think as a whole, the team is just ready to take on and fill in wherever we see fair, wherever is necessary, from things that we lost from last year,” she said.   

Overland said she is seeing a boost in confidence from her junior players heading into the new season. Not only due to having a couple of seasons under their belt, but some experience earning big wins that will help them become leaders for the Mavs, she said.   

The Mavericks expect to be strong on the defensive side of the ball this season, Overland said. As their fall tryouts have started, she sees a lot of potential in their attacking as well.   

“I'm excited to see numerous different goal scores that I've been watching throughout the week, and then hopefully record some shutouts with the strong defense that we're building. We have a lot of good things in the works right now,” Overland said.   

However, when it comes to racking up wins this season, it’s going to be important for the Mavs players to capitalize on finishing opportunities, she said.

“We do pretty good about getting the buildup into the attack and creating those opportunities, but now it's just going to come down to finishing them and getting the job done both on the defensive side and the attacking side now,” she said.   

Overland said that to be successful in achieving that goal, it will be important to continue building the players' confidence. They will not always have the perfect shot opportunity, so giving them the confidence to take advantage of small opportunities could pay dividends.   

“My goal is to just keep them positive and keep them willing to take those shots and not letting them get down on themselves to where they want to prevent themselves from taking them,” Overland said.   

Overland said the Mavs girls soccer team is full of hungry players looking to accomplish more than they did last year. She called them a passionate group that loves the sport they play.   

The Mavs have their first game of the season at home Sept. 6, at 1 p.m. against Post Falls.   

“I'm just looking forward to a great season. I think we have a good group, and I hope that a lot of people come out and watch what I think we're going to be able to accomplish this year. We really appreciate everyone's support already,” Overland said.   

For more coverage of the upcoming fall sports season, pick up our Gridiron Guide this Friday and the Fall Sports Preview edition Sept. 5.  

    Girls soccer players jog between fields during the Mavs tryouts on Wednesday. Head Coach Alysha Overland said the team will be motivated this season after making the playoffs last year.
  

    A Mavs girls soccer player waits for direction from Head Coach Alysha Overland during Wednesdays tryouts. The Mavs had 15 seniors last year and are optimistic rising juniors and seniors will be able to step into their roles.
  

    A Mavs soccer player sprints during capture the flag at Wednesdays tryouts. Head Coach Alysha Overland feels confident in their defense this season and hope to improve their attack.