The Orange Lutheran girls soccer program had a memorable season last winter when they reached the CIF-SS Division 2 quarterfinals after a 10-year postseason drought. With confidence and momentum, the Lancers are poised to build on that success as they begin their new season this week.
This year’s squad is full of veteran leadership, with 14 seniors on the roster who are intent on leaving a strong legacy for the program. OLu girls soccer head coach Sarah Klinkenberg is in her fourth year at the helm and has a special connection with this group.
“This is their fourth season with me, so they know what I expect,” says Klinkenberg. “I've taken a lot of pride in how they have moved this program forward. A lot of groups before them set a firm foundation, but I think this group really feels excited for the challenge.”
Senior leaders include Sophia Tagge (Northern Arizona University commit), Tessa Bloom, Morgan Goehring and Bella Barrett up front, with strength on the back end from Shelby Perez (Concordia University Irvine commit), Stella Ettinger and Amelia Trautman.
“Watching the senior leadership continue to compete every single day and pull the best out of each other is what really excites us,” says Klinkenberg. “They're pushing each other daily so that when we step on the field against somebody else, they're fully prepared to go.”
The senior class is supported by a strong class of junior players, some who are new to the varsity roster this season. The program will be fielding more than 60 players across 3 teams, which is a testament to the investment and commitment of the group over the last four seasons. Lancer alumni Allie Garis ’20 and Ashley Wielinga ’20 have returned to assist with coaching at the frosh/soph level.
The Lancers take to the pitch this week when they travel to Lakewood on November 29. OLu’s home opener is set for December 1 versus Northwood, with Trinity League play beginning after the Christmas break.
With the success the Lancers saw last season and a D1/D2 playoff grouping this year, much will be expected of this group. But Klinkenberg is confident the players are up to the task.
“I think they're ready for that challenge,” says Klinkenberg. “I think they've built this internal confidence and grit about them. We're going to take Trinity League one game at a time, but I feel like we truly can compete in every game, which will be really exciting and will keep us ready to keep that postseason run alive. Our hope is to stay towards the top of that table, and that gives ourselves a really good chance to compete.”