The DSHA Varsity Soccer team remembered the devastating fall to Muskego 1-2 in the 2019 WIAA State Championship game after a 1-0 semi-final win against Bay Port. Sofia Miranda, DSHA ’22, had newspaper clippings on her wall from the victory against Bay Port, waiting to play and hopefully win state in the 2020 season with her teammates; but she and the rest of her team watched as the 2020 season was canceled. Their next hope was placed in the 2021 season.

 

During the hiatus in 2020, the players had access to virtual training five days a week, following the daily routines of a local Division 1 college soccer team. They also participated in strength training three times a week and dribbling and scoring skill workouts over Zoom. They came into the 2021 season with the passion to play and accomplish much.

 

And accomplish they did. After a year with no soccer season, the DSHA Varsity Soccer team won the WIAA Division 1 State Soccer Championship on June 24, defeating Kenosha Bradford/Reuther 2-1 in overtime in the semi-final, and defeating Hudson in the final game 2-1. The DSHA community came to these games in full force, cheering on the Dashers from a full fan section of the bleachers.

 

The 2021 season started with 15 contact days and introductions to new players, said Head Soccer Coach and Science Faculty Kevin Roethe. “After a year off, it was great to see the girls back together and watch the enthusiasm and excitement for the season grow,” he said.

 

The Dashers had an incredible season from start to finish, coming in first in the Greater Metro Conference with a conference record of 8-0 and an overall record of 17-1-1. They took home the WIAA Regional Championship on June 12 beating Hartford 5-0 and Germantown 2-0. On June 19, the team earned the WIAA Sectional defeating Brookfield East 5-1 and Appleton East 7-2.

 

Miranda, who played a leadership role scoring key goals both the semi-final and final games, saw determination in her teammates, especially from the upperclasswomen. “They brought so much heart and passion into the season,” she said. “That energy was certainly contagious throughout the entire team.”

 

Roethe attributes the team’s success to everyone involved in the soccer program, from the athletic director to the coaches, but is proud of the resiliency of his players.

“In the end we were successful because everyone supported each other and took care of each other both on and off the field,” he said. “Girls were selfless and willing to do what they could individually for the success of the team. As the coach I could not be prouder of how we grew together and created a culture that was not only competitive on the soccer field but supportive and caring off the field.”

 

Through it all, Miranda and her teammates learned to appreciate every moment.

 

“We had our soccer season back,” she said. “We had the time of our lives with a gold ball to finish it off.”

 

 

Record: 8-0 in GMC, 17-1-1 overall

GMC Conference Place: 1^st

Notable Recognitions:

• 1st Team All-State: Anna Sikorski, DSHA ’24

• 1st Team All-Conference: Piper Dupies, DSHA ’23; Ahnna Faust, DSHA ’22; Rachael Janes, DSHA ’21; Sofia Miranda, DSHA ’22; Kate Nonn, DSHA ’22; Anna Sikorski, DSHA ‘24

• 2nd Team All-Conference: Emilie Harwood, DSHA ’21; Abby Horning, DSHA ’21; Theresa Kouvoukliotis, DSHA ’22; Bridget Parks, DSHA ‘22

 • Honorable Mention All-Conference: Daisy Johnson, DSHA ’23; Laura Makowski, DSHA ’21