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Start of the ride

Girls’ soccer has big aspirations going into this state tournament
Byline photo of Jacob Larson
Jacob Larson, Sports Director
May 12, 2025
The Wildcats come into this year’s state tournament on an incredible six game winning streak. “Having won six of the last seven games we’ve played gives us so much momentum and motivation to keep working hard,” senior defender Kennedy Moore said. “We have proved so many people wrong in the last couple of games, so we are ready to make a statement in the state tournament.”
The Wildcats come into this year’s state tournament on an incredible six game winning streak. “Having won six of the last seven games we’ve played gives us so much momentum and motivation to keep working hard,” senior defender Kennedy Moore said. “We have proved so many people wrong in the last couple of games, so we are ready to make a statement in the state tournament.”
Jacob Larson

The Millard West girls soccer team defeated the Papillion-La Vista Monarchs 3-0 after a dominant matchup in districts back on May 8. However, the journey is only just now beginning.

The Cats have battled all season to earn this spot. They’ve faced adversity, taken on one of the toughest schedules in the state and had some impressive wins along the way. The performances have certainly not let down head coach Jacque Tevis-Butler.

“I’m extraordinarily proud of this team and their ability to respond to the adversity we face,” Tevis-Butler said. “Most people quit when they face adversity. It takes a lot of maturity to stay the course, believe in yourself and your teammates, and simply work at getting better. They did it without finger-pointing or self-destructing, like I think most teams would. It’s a credit to the culture and standards we try to maintain in our program, which is largely defined by the team, and our players’ commitment to holding each other to those standards. I truly mean it, I don’t know that I’ve ever been prouder of a team in all my years of doing this.”

The Wildcats have been on quite a run, going 6-1 since the Metro Conference tournament. Their only loss came against the 2-seeded Bellevue West Thunderbirds, which was a hard-fought game throughout. With the impressive stretch, the team hopes to continue this hot streak.

“Coming off an incredible 6-1 run since Metros gives our team a huge confidence boost going into state,” junior goalkeeper Addy Stephens says. “It shows how far we’ve come, how hard we’ve fought, and how ready we are.  We are not just showing up to state, we are coming to make noise.”

For some, this opportunity in the playoffs means much more than just a chance to play on a big stage, with the main reasons relating to aspirations, adversity and legacy.

“This trip to state means a little more as a senior,” senior defender Kennedy Moore said. “Going to state is what we all have worked for and looked forward to. We have already faced so much adversity this year, so state is the perfect time for us to show our improvement from the year.”

The Wildcats will face off against the two seeded Omaha Marian Crusaders in the first round. The Wildcats have faced off against the Crusaders twice this season, once in metros, where the Wildcats lost 0-6, and once earlier in the season where the Wildcats lost 0-2. While on paper it may seem bleak, there is reason to believe that the Wildcats can upset Marian. This is in large part due to the phenomenal run that the Wildcats have been on over the last 7 games, and a couple lineup switches that weren’t in place for both of the last few games.

It’s safe to say that the girls are going to give it their all to take home a state championship for Millard West.

Come to the first round of state vs Marian at 5:30 pm on Monday, May 12 at Morrison Stadium. Remember to show up and support the Wildcats and cheer them to victory!

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Senior night success
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Crowned in Papillion