It has been three years since the City High girls soccer team has made it to state. Led by a senior class and a new group of freshmen, the girls are looking to make it back this year.

“I want to qualify for state, because I haven’t been there since my freshman year,” Maddie Deprenger ‘16 said. “I think that that’s going to be a good experience if we do qualify for state for the freshmen, because they will keep wanting to go back.

This year, the girls’ team will feature four freshman on varsity. Midfielder/forward Madelynn Fontana, goalkeeper Naomi Meurice, defender/forward Madeline Pugh ‘19, and midfielder Sam Schroeder all will work to fill holes left by goalkeeper Gracie Steve ‘15, as well as midfielders Sam Blowers ‘15 and Sara Blowers ‘15.

“All three proved vital to our success last season and it will demand a lot from the girls to replace those players,” second year head coach Michael Prunty said. “There is always an adjustment for the younger players, but I am confident all four [freshmen] will add to our program and play a role in our success.”

To prepare for the season, the team has done a series of workouts in the offseason. Beginning in January, the team did a ten week Pro-Fit lifting program, as well as open gyms twice a week.

“I think [our offseason workouts] did [help us prepare for the season], everyone got more touches on the ball, so then when [the] season came, it wasn’t like we hadn’t touched a ball in so many months and we had to regain everything from last season,” defender Lizzy Ward ‘16 said.

The Little Hawks finished at 10-7 last season. One thing that will also be different is the fact that the City-West game will be played at City High this year. Prunty says that he looks forward to the opportunity.

“We play in a very competitive conference,” coach Prunty said.“It has been awhile since we have been able to host our cross-town rival at City High.  It should be a great environment and experience for the program. ”

Prunty hopes that his seniors will be crucial to the team’s success.

“We are lucky to have a great senior class that has brought a lot to City High Soccer and sending them out at the state tournament and with a win over West would be a great parting gift for their work and dedication,” Prunty said.

The Little Hawks begin the season on Thursday, April 7th against Des Moines Lincoln at City High at 4:15.