PRIEST RIVER — Smiles and the ensuing laughter are not hard to find at Priest River Junior High’s field. Not when the Priest River boys soccer team is practicing, at least. 

Before, during and after practice, the Spartans’ positive energy never wavers, and it’s infectious. Just ask West Bonner County School District’s transportation director and Spartans’ head coach Charity Hinshaw. 

“I go home smiling, I really do,” Hinshaw said. “I always tell them even after a loss, we’ve learned a lot. It’s not a loss for us, because we’re learning.” 

It’s those smiles and teaching moments that were absent a year ago. After training throughout the summer of 2025, the injury bug bit the Spartans, and they were forced to forfeit the entire season. 

That meant for seniors like Gunnar Petit and Daryan Haidari, the 2026 season would be their last chance to play high school soccer. Petit said that sports are a major part of his life and that he was very bummed to lose his junior soccer season. 

For those students, Hinshaw stepped up before the season to lead the team of 21 players, including four seniors, putting the Priest River boys soccer team back on the pitch. 

“It felt weird, but it was good,” Petit said of stepping back onto the field. 

The Spartans went 3-7 in their abbreviated return campaign, notching two wins over St. Maries and a win over Timberlake. Petit said he entered the season with low expectations, expecting to rebuild. However, he said the team surpassed them, not just on the field, but off it as they’ve built teamwide bonds. 

Hinshaw said she was proud of the team for their effort, after starting late and taking some lumps early. The Spartans lost 10-3 to Timberlake, 9-0 to Coeur d’Alene Charter and 8-0 to Bonners Ferry to open the season. Yet Priest River fought through those games and earned their two wins over St. Maries following that streak. 

“There’s not one of them that has not put 100% in. Even the freshman, they are so concentrated on making the sport fun,” Hinshaw said. “You can definitely tell they want fun of it, and of course they want to win, but when it’s a loss they’re like ‘Well, we learned some things,’ so we’re taking it as a positive.” 

Petit and Haidari, who serve as co-captains, have made the most of their senior season, scoring a combined 19 goals. The two got to celebrate their senior night, which Hinshaw said was a special moment.  

“I kinda get a little emotional because, as I said, Gunnar and Daryan are amazing... I’m positive they’re going to move on to better,” Hinshaw said. “I am just glad they got this year, and I’m glad that we’re going to grow. We are going to make this sport grow every year; that’s my goal.” 

Hinshaw said the experience of coaching her first year has been special, and the players have always thanked her for stepping up. 

“It’s actually been my enjoyment, so I’m thankful for them,” Hinshaw said. “I’ve had nothing but fun learning everything about them, seeing them grow and how much they love it... I know that they’re grateful and I’m grateful to have them.” 

In addition to her players, Hinshaw said the community’s support for the team has been fantastic. The Priest River head coach thanks the parents of the players who have stepped up and built a family around the team. 

Priest River will travel to Post Falls on Wednesday for their first appearance in the 4A District 1-2 Tournament since 2024. The No. 4-seed Spartans are set to play the No. 5-seed Timberlake Tigers at the Real Life Fields’ South Field No. 2 at 1 p.m.  

Petit said he’s confident in the team’s ability to repeat their results from Sept. 29, when they beat the Tigers 5-0. Hinshaw said she’s keeping the atmosphere positive ahead of the win-or-go-home game. 

“We go there, you play and perform 100%; win or lose, you’re going to get something out of that game,” Hinshaw said before taking a pause. 

“I always tell them, if you want to win? 110%,” Hinshaw added, followed up with a smile and a laugh.  

    Priest River head coach Charity Hinshaw sends a ball back to her team during a practice on Monday at Priest River Junior High.
  

    Priest River senior Gunnar Petit kicks a ball in a game against Bonners Ferry on Sept. 26.