A Legacy in the Making
The final whistle at a packed stadium in Colorado Springs marked the culmination of a demanding campaign for the Colorado Academy girls soccer team. A 2-1 victory over longtime rivals Kent Denver not only delivered the program’s third straight Class 3A championship, but also underscored the squad’s ability to thrive under pressure.
Coach Sean Stedeford, who has guided the team through a grueling schedule, spoke about the mental toughness required to repeat at the top. “The path we walked this year was anything but easy,” he said, emphasizing the collective resolve that kept the Mustangs competitive week after week.
Senior captain Lyla Kocher was the offensive engine, striking twice in the championship game. Her equalizer and the decisive winner brought her season tally to 30 goals, a milestone that reflected both her skill and her leadership role among a young but determined roster.
The Mustangs finished the year with a 15-5 record, having rattled off a nine-game winning streak that included the championship match. Their eight total state titles now place them second only to Arapahoe among Colorado schools, a testament to sustained excellence.
Beyond the trophy, the championship reinforces a culture of belief within the program. With a blend of experienced seniors and emerging talent, Colorado Academy looks to carry its momentum into the next season, aiming to defend a legacy that has become a benchmark for high school soccer in the state.