The help-wanted sign is posted this spring for the Hilldale girls’ soccer team.

“We graduated our top three defenders from last year, so we’ll be looking to fill those spots particularly the all-important center back spot,” said coach Michael Foreman. “We have some girls who have some experience on defense but not really anyone for the center back spot.”

One of the offensive end for the Lady Hornets, the team returns striker Gabby Dover who has also played midfield plus junior Grace Nail and sophomore Jada Robinson who played on the wings. Other seniors who will contribute experience and leadership besides Dover are Estrella Estrada who Foreman has indicated may be the new center back on defense, Bret Fletcher, Madelynn Hannon, Harper Snider and Jelicia Diaz. There are also a host of juniors besides Nail who will be looking to gain playing time this year including Ava Soileau, Lily Beverage, Maddy Ellis, and Kabree Spradley. Sophomores Kenzie Stallings, Laila Colina, Charlee Medley, Caedence Dry, Maybre Chastain and Avery Clark will provide depth as they look to break into the starting 11 while Foreman will oversee the development of 10 freshmen who will move up from middle school this year.

The Lady Hornets had their best year since before COVID last year as they made it to the state quarterfinals before losing in a shootout to Weatherford and they hope to build on that momentum in 2025. The non-district schedule this year includes action against Summit Christian, Bartlesville, OKC Southeast, Stillwater and the big rivalry game with Fort Gibson. It’s a year of redistricting so there will be some new faces in the district this season with Metro Christian, Sallisaw, Victory Christian, Wagoner, and Poteau joining Stilwell and McLain.