When the Edwardsville Tigers took the field this spring, few expected them to rewrite the program’s history. Under the guidance of first‑year head coach Justin Bernaix, the squad surged to a 16‑5‑2 record, captured regional and sectional crowns and finished fourth at the IHSA Class 3A State Tournament.
The Tigers’ playoff journey was a study in resilience. They dismantled Alton, O’Fallon, Springfield Southeast, Belleville West and Lincoln‑Way Central on the way to the semifinals, where they fell 2‑1 in overtime to New Trier, then lost a 1‑0 decision to Gurnee Warren in the third‑place match. A ten‑game winning streak had the town buzzing, and the defense, anchored by underclassmen, went eight games without conceding.
Offensive firepower came from senior forward Gabby Thomson, who tallied 19 goals and four assists, and midfielder Anna Maxim, who contributed nine goals and the same number of assists while excelling on both ends of the pitch. Goalkeeper Genny Burroughs posted a 0.59 goals‑against average heading into the Final Four, underscoring the team’s balance.
A Dual Commitment
Bernaix’s impact extended beyond the high school sidelines. He also serves as the women’s soccer coach at Lewis and Clark Community College, a role that required meticulous scheduling to navigate the overlapping spring seasons. By coaching six weekend games without high school fixtures, he kept both programs competitive and maintained continuity for his players.
The community’s response was palpable. Heightened fan support at Edwardsville matches created an atmosphere that opponents found intimidating, and the Tigers’ success sparked renewed interest in high school soccer across the region. Bernaix credits the local backing as a key factor in the team’s competitive edge.
Looking ahead, Bernaix is gearing up for the next chapter. Preseason workouts with the LCCC Trailblazers begin on August 3, 2026, and the coach says the experience gained from juggling two roles will shape a promising future for both programs.