The La Plata High School girls soccer team is entering the 2026 season with a dramatically younger roster, having replaced nine of the eleven starters who helped the Warriors finish second in the 2025 regional playoffs. Coach Kevin Barry says the newcomers have earned their places and bring a fresh energy that could reshape the team’s identity.
A Youthful Squad with Big Ambitions
Barry, who took over the program last year, emphasizes that talent alone will not be enough; the players must gel on and off the field. To that end, the offseason has seen weight sessions for 20 athletes and intensive field work with 25 participants, a regimen designed to build strength and foster camaraderie.
The coaching staff has zeroed in on the offensive side of the ball, an area that cost the team dearly in the previous campaign. By sharpening set‑piece execution, increasing speed of play and insisting on possession‑based soccer, the Warriors hope to create more scoring chances and reduce the reliance on isolated attacks.
The Southern Maryland Athletic Conference remains one of the most competitive leagues in the state, featuring several Class 2A powerhouses that will test the team week after week. Nevertheless, the Warriors view each matchup as an opportunity to prove that their rebuilt squad can compete for a regional championship.
For Barry, success is measured not just by the win‑loss column but by the collective effort and the culture he is cultivating. He believes that a commitment to communication, trust and relentless work ethic will ultimately determine whether the team can translate its potential into tangible results.