As they begin looking forward to a deep run in the South Texas State Championships, Challenge 96 Kingwood had another outstanding season in the State Classic League. The team amassed a record of five wins, zero losses, and five draws while outscoring their opponents 16-8. Going into the final game of the season and needing three points to win the league title outright, the girls battled to a 1-1 draw with the eventual league champions and earned 2nd place based on the third tiebreaker. This marks the second consecutive season the team went undefeated in league play, tallying seven wins, zero losses, and three ties in 2012 while also outscoring their opponents by a wide margin of 21-4.

During the past season, the team went on a remarkable run of 422 consecutive minutes without allowing a goal, which spanned five games. Along with this astonishing shutout streak, the team earned five shutouts and a stingy .80 goals against average. Midfielder Alyssa Phelan led the team with 11 points on four goals and three assists in all SCL games. Yari Vazquez notched two goals and an assist while Carolina Aguilar recorded two goals and an assist.

Seven-year Challenge player and team captain Sydnie Shope, had this to say about the season: “This season was the most memorable and hardworking year we have ever had as a team. We really learned what it was like to be a family by learning how to rely on each other and adopting an unshakable mentality. We ended up doing very well in the season, coming out undefeated. We fought together as a family, and as long as we stayed together we always found ourselves coming out on top. I love being a part of this group in my last year at Challenge because they not only taught me how to be a real captain, but they also taught me that a team who works for each other can accomplish great things!"

Coach Mike Asen on 96 Kingwood's season and success: “This team encompasses everything Challenge Soccer Club represents. The body of work they have put together over the past three seasons shows what can happen when a team comes together with a dedicated commitment to each other. I am extremely honored to be able coach this team, and they have capped off a great club career with another season of great results and attractive play; hopefully we can cap everything off with a State Championship this spring! I wish every one of them great success in college and look forward to tracking their progress.”

Of 18 rostered players (including two Juniors), 13 have officially signed their National Letters of Intent to play at collegiate programs while three others are still making their final decision. Good luck girls and we look forward to watching you make a run to Regionals!

Team Members Include:

Carolina Aguilar  Our Lady of the Lake University

Abbey Cole  University of Texas-Tyler

Arianna Ebert  Lamar University

Hannah Hearn  Texas Lutheran University

Julianne Kovacik  University of Mary Hardin Baylor

Alyssa Miranda  University of St. Thomas

Alyssa Phelan  Texas State University

Christina Remmes  Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi

Sydnie Shope  UT-Tyler

Alette Taylor University of St. Thomas

Yarimar Vazquez  University of St. Thomas

Selena Wicklund  University of Wisconsin-Parkside 

Chelsea York  University of St. Thomas

Alisa Trejo

Laurel Hansen

Brooke Houston

Rachael Bell (2015)

Emma Pinkerton (2015)