The Willard soccer program is entering its 2026 season with a sense of optimism that stems from a historic 2025 campaign. The team posted a 19‑7 record, the best in program history, and now looks to translate that momentum into another competitive run.
A Record‑Breaking Foundation
Head coach Jamie Waddell has emphasized the program’s steady yearly improvement and the reality of graduating 13 seniors from the previous roster. That turnover brings both challenges and opportunities, as the remaining players must step up to fill the void left by those departures.
Among the returning starters are forwards Caleb Stuart, Nico Molina and Cole Nothum, midfielders Kyler Coffey, Beckham Coffer and Colesyn Berning, and defender Chase Maddux alongside Lincoln Pfannenstiel. Molina’s three goals and two assists last season highlight his role as a returning starter and a leader in attack, while Stuart’s versatility on both ends of the field makes him a constant threat.
Key Returners and Emerging Leaders
Coffey was the midfield’s offensive engine, scoring nine goals and adding two assists, and he will continue to anchor the center of the park. Maddux, a senior defender, brings speed and leadership to a backline that must adapt to the faster varsity pace. Goalkeepers Henley Proctor and Hudson Turner, both sophomores, will share duties between the posts, with Proctor’s 85 junior‑varsity saves providing a promising foundation.
The coaching staff also counts on the chemistry that has developed over recent seasons. The blend of seasoned lettermen and eager newcomers is expected to tighten the team’s cohesion, allowing them to compete against a tough conference schedule.
Opening Battle and Early Goals
The season will kick off with a home match against Logan‑Rogersville on August 28, a game that will serve as the first test of the team’s revamped lineup. Early performances will give a clearer picture of how quickly the new roster gels and how effectively the coaching staff can integrate fresh talent.
While the transition to a more experienced squad presents a learning curve, the players and coaches remain focused on maintaining the upward trajectory that began a year ago. With a mix of seasoned leadership, dynamic attacking options, and solid defensive foundations, the Willard soccer team is poised to meet the challenges of the upcoming season head‑on.