A New Chapter for Local Soccer
The 2026 girls soccer season in the Louisville area officially begins on August 10, when Sacred Heart Academy welcomes Notre Dame to its home field. The matchup pits the nation’s top‑ranked team against a formidable opponent as the Valkyries look to extend their dominance.
Sacred Heart enters the campaign as the reigning three‑time state champion, aiming for a third straight title that would tie the historic run it achieved from 2007 to 2009. Coach Shaun Francis has built a culture that prizes trust and collective growth, a philosophy that helped the team finish last season 24‑2‑1 and capture the state final 3‑0 over Highlands. The Valkyries will field three returning attackers who each crossed the ten‑goal threshold last year: Charley Henry, who tallied 14 goals and five assists; Avery Krupp with 11 goals and nine assists; and Samantha Miron, who contributed 10 goals and 10 assists. Meanwhile, key returnees from other programs include Whitney Cooper of Assumption, who earned All‑State honors last year.
Sophomore forward Giovanna Garza will miss the season as she commits to Mexico’s U19 national team, leaving a void in the attacking lineup. Despite that, the returning scorers give Sacred Heart a potent front line, while Bullitt East, led by junior forward Avery Adams, is chasing its fourth consecutive Sixth Region crown after posting an 18‑5‑1 record a year ago. Bullitt Central returns Savannah McKendree, the state’s leading scorer with 67 goals last season, who earned honorable‑mention All‑State recognition. South Oldham, ranked eighth statewide, brings back nine seniors, including Abigayle Hammons and Blair Hartman, who combined for double‑digit assists and goals, and is focused on sharpening its finishing efficiency.
Other programs such as Mercy and Christian Academy also return first‑team or honorable‑mention All‑State selections, promising fresh storylines across the league. The early schedule promises high‑profile contests that will test the depth of each roster, while the overall emphasis remains on teamwork, player development, and regional dominance.