A Season of Triumph
The Lakeview girls soccer program capped a historic 2026 campaign by establishing a new school record for victories, finishing the year with 14 wins, three ties and three defeats. The team’s relentless drive earned them a sixth consecutive All‑City Tournament championship, highlighted by a 5‑2 victory over rival Harper Creek, and secured a spot in the Division 1 district finals for the third straight season.
Coach Jason Little was recognized for his leadership, receiving the 2026 All‑Enquirer Girls Soccer Team Coach of the Year award. Under his guidance, the squad featured a host of standout athletes, including Isabella Calderon, Lilamae Frank, Layla Huffman, Abbigail Kline and Madeleine Thawnghmung, who all earned spots on the All‑Enquirer team.
The success was not isolated to Lakeview. Harper Creek, despite falling short in the championship, posted an impressive 11‑4‑3 record and saw players such as Madelyn Gallagher, Brooklyn Hankinson, Anna Loritz, Addison Mitchell and Rylee Zumer named to the All‑Enquirer list. Other area programs also shone, with Gull Lake’s Ali Bates, Bella Carr, Tessa Cothron, Kilee Halladay and Kenadie Schuemann earning honors, while Marshall’s Ollie Rozell, Lillian Moore, Lauren Niemann, Lola Saber and Jordyn St. John helped the team win the Interstate 8 Conference.
Further afield, Pennfield’s Danika Rothchild and Peyton Rhoades, the Calhoun Christian/St. Philip co‑op duo of Leah Downey and Mylee Grimm, as well as Battle Creek Central’s Linda Lopez and Bianca Sanchez, were also celebrated. Gull Lake finished the regular season ranked No. 2 in the state in Division 2, and Coldwater’s Samantha Bernard and Aivry Chavez added their names to the All‑Enquirer roster.