The 2026 soccer season is shaping up to be a competitive chapter for teams across the Marion area, with both boys and girls programs eager to build on recent successes and address lingering gaps.
At Marion Harding, the boys’ squad under veteran coach Ian Hartley is looking to translate a modest 5‑11‑3 record from last year into a more potent offensive force, a goal that was underscored by the team’s first tournament victory since 1998.
Returning seniors such as Omari Palmer and Liam Hoy, together with All‑Mid Ohio Athletic Conference honoree Jose Baltazar De Dios, provide a foundation, while juniors Jeffrey Stimson and Harrison Keith add depth and fresh legs to the attack.
The girls’ team, now guided by new head coach Kindall Duke, is coming off a 2‑13‑3 season but benefits from the experience of all‑conference performers Urszula Lisiecki and Shelby Durain, who are expected to anchor a defense that is learning from its missteps.
Pleasant’s boys, coached by Drew Reniff, enter the campaign with optimism after a 6‑8‑3 showing, highlighted by first‑team MOAC selection Rodric Gomez and second‑team standout Cooper Halpin, who hope to push the team back into winning territory.
On the girls’ side, Pleasant returns under Quintin Beatty with a roster of 18 players, and freshman midfielder Gabby O’Reilly, an honorable‑mention MOAC choice, will look to contribute both offensively and defensively.
Key storylines to watch
River Valley’s boys, fresh off a MOAC championship in 2025, aim to rebound from a 5‑11‑2 record by leaning on eight returnees, including top scorer Cooper Mullins and goalkeeper Cooper Mullins, while seeking to tighten a defense that faltered in their opening tournament match.
The girls’ River Valley side, boasting 15 letter‑winners from a 9‑8‑2 season, features first‑team MOAC star Sarina Strother and second‑team pick Chloe Addis, who are targeting double‑digit wins and a deeper tournament run.
North Union’s girls, enjoying their best five‑year stretch at 8‑8‑2, bring a strong bond and All‑Central Buckeye Conference selections Kinley Balzer and Sam Price, while newcomer goalie Kailyn Colegrove hopes to build on a season of leading saves.
Highland’s girls, under coach Megan Dever, continue a rebuilding effort after a 3‑12‑2 campaign, returning most of last year’s roster and emphasizing mental resilience alongside on‑field accountability.
The season will kick off with a doubleheader at Harding Stadium on August 14, featuring River Valley versus Marion Harding in both boys and girls matches at 5 p.m., a showcase that promises early excitement for fans.
Across the board, coaches stress continuity, teamwork and the need to blend experienced seniors with promising younger talent, setting the stage for a year where offensive firepower and defensive solidity will define each squad’s destiny.