It's been 675 days since the Priest River High boys soccer team took the field. 

However, that wait is drawing to a close, and first-year head coach Charity Hinshaw said her team of over 20 players is ready. 

"They're showing up," Hinshaw said. "They're pretty amped up to get to playing a game, that's for sure." 

Hinshaw, who has experience coaching in the Priest River Youth Sports soccer program, took over the reins of the program this summer. She said that she's focused their practices on rebuilding the team's culture and getting the players to work harmoniously with each other.  

Hinshaw said the team is also working on their shooting and passing as they prepare for their opener on Aug. 27. It's a needed focus for the Spartans, who have eight freshmen on the roster and several players who haven't competed at the high school level since 2024. 

"I'm looking to focus on them working as a team because we do have newer players to the team," Hinshaw said.  

The youthful squad will be led by seniors Gunnar Pettit and Daryan Haidari, who were both sophomores on the 2024 team. Hinshaw said the duo boasts a healthy amount of speed and natural soccer skills, which will give the team a foundation to build upon. 

Pettit and Haidari will also have junior Jayden Sams to rely on, who Hinshaw pointed out as a potential playmaker. 

"They're quick, they're positive, they have the background in soccer," Hinshaw said of the seniors. "They definitely have the speed behind them and their footwork." 

While the players are eager to return to the pitch, Hinshaw said she's looking forward to seeing the growth of the team over the season. She added that she hopes to create a positive environment for the players. 

"This year is just a growth for us," Hinshaw said. "I want them to have the very best and to grow from that. I don't think they should be disappointed again." 

FUN FACT: The Spartans' newest coach, Charity Hinshaw, also serves as the transportation coordinator for the West Bonner County School District. 

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Gunnar Pettit, sr.; Daryan Haidari, sr.; Jayden Sams, jr. 

MOST ANTICIPATED GAME: Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy, 8/28 and 9/30. Hinshaw said she looks forward to the boys playing the very best that the 4A Intermountain Conference has to offer. 

SCHEDULE: 

- 8/27 vs Timberlake, 2 p.m. 

- 8/28 vs Coeur d'Alene Charter, 2 p.m. 

- 8/31@ Bonners Ferry, 4 p.m. 

- 9/2 vs St. Maries, 4 p.m. 

- 9/8 @ St. Maries, 6 p.m. 

- 9/11 @ Grangeville, 2 p.m. 

- 9/18 vs Grangeville, 4 p.m. 

- 9/26 vs Bonners Ferry, 6 p.m. 

- 9/30 @ Coeur d'Alene Charter, 6 p.m. 

*Schedule as of 8/20, subject to change