ALL-LEAGUE MVP: Bayah Ratigan 

The senior midfielder returned from an ACL injury to become Sandpoint's firecracker all season. Ratigan ignited their offense, leading the Bulldogs in goals and assists, and served a critical part of their defense. 

Coach's comments: "Bayah, two-year Captain, is the definition of determination. She has been the heartbeat of this team all season. She has a heart of gold, but don't let that fool you, she will be the first to get into the hard tackle and usually come out on the other side with the ball. Her shot power made teams pressure her high, even then, she scored a few from 30 yards out. If they pressured her too high, she would find the through ball that would set up her teammate for the easy shot. I expect to see her at the next level next year. On a personal note, Bayah has been part of our family for many years. I am sad to know that I will never have the pleasure to coach her from the sidelines again. I will enjoy the new role and cheer for her wherever she ends up. Thank you for being you, don't ever change." — Alan Brinkmeier. 

ALL-LEAGUE: Izzy Stark 

Sandpoint's senior goalie spent the summer rehabbing a broken leg but wasted no time returning to form once she stepped on the pitch to lead the team in saves. Stark battled in every game she appeared in, slowing down opposing offenses with her aggressive play style and quick recovery. 

Coach's comments: "Izzy's saves kept us in games that were a must-win. Izzy was always there to pick a teammate up, and her positivity will be missed. Personally, Izzy is now part of a long-standing family of goalkeepers from SHS. I know her end goal is wrestling in college, know I will always be here to cheer you on and pick you up if ever needed. Thank you, Izzy." — Alan Brinkmeier. 

ALL-LEAGUE: Aylee Butler 

In the sophomore defender's first year on varsity, Butler stepped up to fill a pivotal role in Sandpoint's backline. The Bulldogs only allowed 28 goals to 5A opponents last season. 

Coach's comments: "She started out in the midfield, but an early injury to another player on the backline found Aylee starting and playing 80 min in that new position. Aylee stepped into her new role like she had played it all along. Aylee was picked out by other coaches as one who will shut down the outside attacks. I am excited to have Aylee part of the team for a couple more years." — Alan Brinkmeier. 

ALL-LEAGUE: Willow Betz 

The Bulldogs' junior defender was another staple of their backline that controlled games. Betz served as a captain this season and scored three goals in addition to her defensive excellence. 

Coach's comments: "She was the anchor on our backline, and it usually took something special to beat her. She was composed in 1-on-1s and dominated in the air. Because of her in-air ability, she found herself the key target on free kicks and corner kicks, which got her 3 goals this season. Willow is a natural-born leader, and I expect her to keep the armband next year and be the model for future players. Every young player can look up to Willow and see what she and the program stand for. Extremely excited to have her back for her senior season." — Alan Brinkmeier. 

ALL-LEAGUE: Maggie McClure 

The junior midfielder starred defensively for Sandpoint and as a perfect complement to Ratigan. McClure should be a key piece for the Bulldogs next season. 

Coach's comments: "This year Maggie came out of her shell. She never backed out of a tackle, even if she knew she may not come out with the ball. She has become what a true all-around midfielder should be, she will track back 60 yards on defense and push forward into attack. With the growth that she had this year, I am very excited to see what next season holds for her." — Alan Brinkmeier.

ALL-LEAGUE: Jordyn Tomco 

From filling in at goalkeeper for Stark to scoring the goal that sent the Bulldogs to state, 2026 was a year to remember for the senior forward. Tomco, a basketball star at SHS, earned captain honors partway through the season and became a massive part of Sandpoint's attack. 

Coach's comments: "I would never question her determination and willingness to do anything for the team... We will miss her, and we wish her the best in her senior season for basketball and in college next year. Personally, I have gotten to know Jordyn over the last few years more and more. I truly enjoyed our talks over the years and really enjoyed having her around. We really do grow into a family, and Jordyn will always be a huge part. I hope she always comes by and says hi and tells me about her life in the future. Thank you, J, for the years of laughter." — Alan Brinkmeier. 

COACH OF THE YEAR: Alan Brinkmeier 

In his third year coaching the Bulldogs, Brinkmeier earned his first IEL Coach of the Year nod. Brinkmeier helped lead the Bulldogs to the top seed in the District 1-2 Tournament with a 9-6-1 record, while facing one of the toughest schedules in 5A, before they clinched a trip to the state tournament. 

5A Inland Empire League 

MVP — Bayah Ratigan, sr., Sandpoint. 

Newcomer of the Year — Jaylin Scott, fr., Lakeland; Ressa Hoover, fr., Lewiston. 

Coach of the Year — Alan Brinkmeier, Sandpoint. 

All-League 

Hazel Stevens, jr., Moscow; Mattea Nuhn, sr., Moscow; Rebekah Abbott, sr., Moscow; Amelia Modad, jr., Moscow.; Emma Wheaton, jr., Moscow; Emmy Mordhorst, so., Moscow; Izzy Stark, sr., Sandpoint; Aylee Butler, so., Sandpoint; Willow Betz, jr., Sandpoint; Maggie McClure, jr., Sandpoint; Maggie McClure, jr., Sandpoint; Jordyn Tomco, sr., Sandpoint; Madysen Bruce, jr., Lewiston; Paislee Thomas, fr., Lewiston; Aspen Liddiard, sr., Lakeland; Vada Hutchison, sr., Post Falls.

    Sandpoint's Jordyn Tomco sends the ball into the net for the game-winning goal against Idaho Falls on Saturday at War Memorial Field.
  

    Sandpoint goalkeeper Izzy Stark prepares to grab a ball during the 5A State Tournament at the Field of Dreams complex in Ponderay on Thursday.