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The Coppell Cowgirls claim the 6A-D1 State Championship with a 6-2 win over Lake Travis
The Coppell girls soccer program capped a remarkable season with a statement victory, overwhelming Lake Travis 6-2 on Saturday afternoon to secure the UIL 6A-Division I State Championship at Birkelbach Field.
In their fourth appearance in the State Tournament, the Cowgirls claimed their third state title — and first since 2015 — finishing the year with an impressive 22-2-3 record.
The Cowgirls entered the final as the No. 1-ranked team in Texas (MaxPreps) and proved worthy of that reputation with a dominant second-half surge.
Despite what the final score might suggest, the match remained tight deep early on in the second half. Coppell held a narrow 3-2 lead in the 48th minute before accelerating with three unanswered goals in the next ten minutes to put the game firmly out of reach.
Matthew Ogle (VYPE)
“For us, we just wanted to make sure that we controlled the tempo of the game,” said head coach Craig Able. “We controlled possession, we connected passes — when we do that, we’ve been really tough to beat this year.
“I think once the girls settled into the game, they remembered that it’s just a game and we’re just doing the things we do well that got us to this point. I’m just so proud of them for all the hard work they put in. They’ve done it all.”
Led by a strong senior class and several standout performances, Coppell’s depth and cohesion were on full display. Junior forward Neerali Kapadia (Rice commit) was a force up top, scoring twice and earning a spot on the All-Tournament Team for her relentless energy and finishing touch.
Seniors Monica Morales (WashU) and Reagan Roberson (Dallas Baptist) also earned All-Tournament honors, with Morales finding the back of the net twice.
But it was senior midfielder Summer Chen (Gonzaga-commit) who earned 6A-Division I State MVP honors after a spectacular showing in the Final. Chen scored two goals and assisted Morales for another, helping to set the tone throughout the entire match.
Senior Summer Chen is presented with the 2025 UIL 6A-D1 State MVP Award after scoring two goals with one assist in the FinalMatthew Ogle (VYPE)
“I’m still at a loss for words,” Chen said after the final whistle. “We just had it, and we knew what we were capable of. Our confidence in each other really showed, and we played to our style, which worked out for us.
“One of the mottos for this year has been ‘All Gas, No Brakes,’ because we had nothing to lose as seniors. At the end of the day, we left it all out there on the field.”
The win marks a historic moment for a Coppell team that embraced the pressure of expectations and delivered in emphatic fashion.
Matthew Ogle (VYPE)
“They just believed in themselves and in each other,” said Coach Able. “All year long we preached our depth and how everyone contributes. Each girl bought into their role and into the system of how we do things as a team. I think everyone just saw all their work pay off.”
For a senior class that helped return Coppell to statewide prominence, Saturday’s win was the perfect ending — a blend of resilience, talent, and togetherness that defined their journey.
TARA ARCHIBALD HAS ALWAYS BEEN AROUND A SOFTBALL FIELD.
She tagged along to practices and games, watching her sister Rebecca play, before she was old enough to pick up the sport.
“I’ve definitely followed in her footsteps,” she said. “She is three years older but I would practice with her and sometimes play on her teams. It’s always been a competition between us. I would always want to out-do her.”
Rebecca also starred at Lee High and now plays at the University of St. Thomas. Tara will play at Southwestern University after graduating in May.
“I’m so thankful that I’m able to play in college,” Tara said. “It’s what I love. It sounds weird, but softball is my escape. It just quiets my mind.”
The Lee catcher is the quarterback of the Ganders….the voice, the enforcer, the leader.
“I’m not really friendly between the lines,” she laughed. “I love plays at the plate and throwing people out. I like to be physical out there and I have a pretty good trash-talking game.”
When she’s not dominating on the diamond, Archibald can be found volunteering for the youth at her church or studying. The National Honor Society officer is in the Top 10 academically of her senior class.
“I’m a math and science person,” she said. “I could see myself as an environmental scientist or something. I always want to be around the game, though. Maybe I’ll coach a Select team when I get older. I do like kids.”
While she seems to have the game of life on a string, she goes back to ol’ faithful when she needs a pick-me up.
“She tries to keep it on the down low, but my sister is my ultimate hype girl,” she said. “When I get down, she’s always there to remind me to keep my head up. She is my inspiration.”
Some things never change.
During our recent trip to Concordia Lutheran High School, we took an in-depth look at their Girls Track and Field program, and got some insight from a few players.
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