The 2026 Utah high school girls soccer season in Class 2A kicks off next week, bringing with it a fresh slate of storylines across two regions. The Deseret News has compiled detailed capsules for all 20 programs, inviting each school to share its roster, coaching staff and ambitions for the year.
Season Begins Across Two Regions
Among the most talked‑about additions are three new head coaches: Dale Josse taking the helm at Millard, Matt McNaughtan at San Juan, and an unnamed coach at APA West Valley. Their arrivals signal a shift in strategy and a desire to rebuild programs that have struggled in recent seasons.
New Coaches Bring Fresh Faces
Millard’s Eagles finished third in Region 2A South last year with an 11‑8 record, only to see their campaign end in the second round. Coach Josse inherits a squad that will look to capitalize on returning talent and a more aggressive midfield.
Grand Red Devils and Beaver Beavers both tied for first in Region 2A South with identical 14‑5 and 14‑6 records respectively, but each fell in the quarterfinals. Their high‑scoring attacks and stout defenses make them early favorites, especially with key players such as Laura Reed and Mikenzey Willden set to lead the charge.
Championship Outlook
Waterford Ravens captured the 2025 2A championship with an impressive 18‑1 record and enter the new season ranked No. 1. Their dominance has set a high bar for rivals, and Coach Laura Reed’s squad is expected to defend the title with a blend of experience and youthful vigor.
American Heritage Patriots, the 2025 runners‑up after a 0‑0 draw that went to penalties, sit at No. 3 in the preseason poll. Their narrow loss to Waterford left a bitter taste, but the team is eager to reclaim the crown, with standout performers such as Rebecca Evans and Mia Van Dyke leading the attack.
Maeser Prep Lions, eliminated in the semifinals, and St. Joseph Jayhawks, also semifinalists, are both ranked No. 4 and No. 2 respectively. Their recent runs have sparked optimism that they could break the Ravens’ stranglehold.
Other programs such as Rowland Hall Winged Lions, American Leadership Eagles and South Summit Wildcats round out the top tier of the poll, each hoping to leverage their preseason rankings and home‑field advantages.
Meanwhile, teams like Draper APA Eagles, who finished 0‑14 last year, and Utah Military Hillfield Thunderbirds, rebuilding after graduating a large senior class, are focused on development rather than immediate success. Coach Matt Downing of Hillfield has emphasized chemistry and discipline as the foundation for a turnaround.
Coaches across the board have voiced confidence in their squads. Dale Josse praised the work ethic of his Millard players, while Matt McNaughtan highlighted the need for consistency in San Juan’s attack. Their expectations set the tone for a competitive season where every match could reshape the playoff picture.