Princeton’s Olivia Hernandez (25) passes the ball during a Jan. 6 road match against McKinney North at McKinney ISD Stadium. Photo by Jerry Winfrey / C&S Media

By David Wolman

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After struggling to a 0-17 record and scoring just one goal last year during its first season in Class 6A, the Princeton girls soccer team is embracing a “no-stress” mentality as it seeks better results in its second year in the state’s largest public school classification.

The Lady Panthers’ coaching staff has broken down the schedule for its players with the focus on one game at a time, not looking ahead to the next opponent — a mindset Princeton hopes will pay off in a district as competitive as District 6-6A. The district includes perennial state power Allen, 2024 Class 6A state champion Prosper and a much-improved Plano East team.

Princeton has already seen success, highlighted by a 3-1 win over Community at a tournament in Denison last Friday, which marked the team’s first victory in nearly two years. Prior to last Friday, Princeton’s last win came March 19, 2024, when the Lady Panthers topped Greenville 4-2. That season also marked the last time Princeton qualified for the postseason, which it did while competing in Class 5A Division II.

Perhaps the most encouraging development from the first week of the season is that Princeton has yet to be shut out, with the Lady Panthers scoring at least one goal in each of their first four matches.

“The girls participated in a summer indoor league and played fall ball as well this year,” head coach Ryan Gerfers said. “Being on the ball year-round like that is only helping them get as many touches as a club team would. What’s helping is we look like we are already in midseason form, and the season just started.”

Freshman Victoria King has provided a spark offensively for the Lady Panthers, scoring a hat trick in Princeton’s win over Community.

King is joined at forward by fellow varsity newcomer Alexandria Ramos, a junior.

Senior captain Gabriella Trejo, a defender and a first-team all-District 6-6A selection last season, scored in the road loss to McKinney North. Fellow varsity returners Brittany Soto and Oliva Mutua, both seniors, are back to help anchor the back line. Juniors Leslie Martinez and Sophia Rivera are also expected to step up and bolster Princeton’s defensive depth.

Senior defender Brooke Daniels and junior midfielder Olivia Hernandez, who were also selected as team captains, bring proven varsity experience to the back two-thirds of the field.

Seniors Andrea Roque, Eliahna Pinkard, Kaitlyn Daniels and junior Nadia De La Cruz return at midfield, while junior Lu Sevillano will rotate between defender and midfielder, as will varsity newcomers Alexis Shipman and Caroline Guerrero.

Freshman Elizabeth Font and junior Brooklyn Heller are additional skill midfielders expected to contribute.

The biggest loss to graduation for Princeton was goalkeeper Delaney Murphy, last season’s District 6-6A goalkeeper of the year. Sophomore Hillary Macias and freshman Knox Phelps are competing for the starting role in net.

“Replacing a goalie like Delaney is something that no coach would look forward to,” Gerfers said. “We are confident in our young goalkeepers this year, though. Right now, they are both showing they deserve opportunities during games. We are splitting time until one clearly emerges as the starter.”