The Harrisburg soccer team has been crowned the Argus Leader's 2025‑26 girls Team of the Year after a decisive vote that saw the Tigers capture 53.04% of the tally.
A Season Defined by Resilience
Finishing the campaign with a 16‑1‑1 record, the Tigers capped the year by avenging their sole setback in the Class AA state championship, a 3‑1 victory over O'Gorman that turned a 3‑1 loss earlier in the season into redemption.
What made the run truly remarkable was a defense that allowed just four goals all season, all of them to the same opponent, underscoring a consistency that kept opponents at bay.
Offensive Firepower
The scoring load was shouldered by three senior standouts — Nyah Aware, who led the squad with 15 goals; Auburn Barrett, who added 11; and Taylor Syverson, who contributed eight. Their ability to find the net in critical moments helped the Tigers maintain momentum through the postseason.
The Tigers also posted three shutouts in the playoff run, a testament to a unit that clicked at the right time and limited opponents to minimal chances.
The recognition comes as the Sioux Falls Jefferson softball team finished second, the Sioux Falls Christian track and field squad took third, while the O'Gorman basketball team placed fourth and the Harrisburg volleyball team rounded out the top five, highlighting a competitive landscape across multiple sports.
Coach praised the team's unity, noting that the blend of defensive discipline and offensive versatility defined their identity. The award not only celebrates individual excellence but also the collective effort that propelled Harrisburg to the top of the local sports spotlight.