On May 20, 2026, the Juneau‑Douglas High School Yadaa.at Kalé girls soccer team will hold a special ceremony to honor its senior class before they take the field against Ketchikan. The event marks a bittersweet milestone for a group that has combined athletic excellence with rigorous academic ambition over the past four years.
A Moment of Recognition
The ceremony will spotlight seven seniors whose dedication on the pitch has been matched by their personal drive and community spirit. Their stories reflect a blend of athletic ambition and scholarly focus that has shaped the program’s culture and inspired teammates and coaches alike.
Goalkeeper Tearamae Alexander will head to Trinity Western University in Langley, British Columbia, where she plans to continue both her studies and her love of the game. Defender Piper Blackgoat Diehl is set to enroll at Northern Arizona University, pursuing a science degree with a focus on dental hygiene, while midfielder Grace Gazdig eyes Colorado State University to explore fish and wildlife conservation biology. Defender Lydia Heidemann will attend Western Washington University to major in kinesiology, aspiring to become an occupational therapist, and left wing Ainsley Mallott will begin her undergraduate journey at Stanford University, aiming to study biology. Finally, defender Hazel McWilliams will start her academic career at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, also concentrating on biology.
Pathways Ahead
Each of these young athletes carries a distinct vision for the future, from environmental stewardship to health care, from research labs to community service. Their decisions underscore the growing opportunities for student‑athletes to blend rigorous academics with competitive soccer at the collegiate level, while still honoring the roots that shaped them in Juneau.
The ceremony not only celebrates athletic achievement but also highlights the broader impact of these seniors on their peers and on the local sports culture. Coaches and teammates alike say the group has set a standard for leadership, resilience, and balance that will inspire future classes.
Looking Forward
As the seniors prepare to leave the high school field, the program looks to build on the foundation they have laid, promising continued competitiveness and academic excellence. Their journeys will be watched with pride by families, teachers, and the wider Juneau community as they embark on the next chapter of their lives.