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DESTINY FULFILLED: Prosper claims program’s first-ever state championship; Photo Gallery
The 2024 season has been a bit of a Cinderella story for the Prosper girls soccer program.
After narrowly falling to Boyd (1-0) in last year’s Regional Quarterfinals, the Eagles proceeded to finish third in District 5-6A (10-2-2), prior to experiencing a meteoric rise in the playoffs, to the tune of reaching the UIL State Tournament in Georgetown for the first time in program history.
This would all culminate in coach Matt Dickinson and company capping off their momentous season with a stunning (0-0)* victory over Westlake in Saturday night’s contest, making them the undisputed champions of Class 6A.
In response to this unprecedented feat, Dickinson was given the opportunity to see all the hard work his team has put in over the five years he’s been with the program finally pay off.
Matthew Ogle (VYPE)
“It's difficult in the moment to describe the secret ingredient to this team's success," he said. "We just have a belief in each other. No matter what happens, we've found ways to win all throughout the season which just reinforces that idea that we're at our best when we're together."
Following their 3-0 win over Seven Lakes in the State Semis, the Eagles competed in a highly-contested match against Westlake to cap off the 2024 season.
While it was neck-and-neck for the majority of the game, the deciding factor was ultimately a 23-yard free-kick score by junior midfielder Olivia Hess in the 58th minute of regulation, which would lead Prosper to a 1-0 victory, and earn Hess MVP honors.
Junior Olivia Hess accepts the Class 6A State MVP AwardMatthew Ogle (VYPE)
“I've never been more excited in my entire life," said Hess. "We've worked so hard over the past three years to get here and we deserve it more than anybody else. It was a team-effort and I definitely would not be in this position without them. The seniors on this team are my best friends and I'm so glad I was able to help them go out with a bang."
Hess was also complemented by the skillful production of Brooklyn Miller (Sr. F), Maggie Manning (Sr. GK), Isabella Fregoso, (Sr. F), and Beya Rosales (Sr. D), among others.
This marks the fifth-consecutive year that a team from Region I has claimed the coveted state title, which is a testament to the level of competition these teams contend with on an annual basis.
Prosper’s high-caliber roster featured a healthy mix of upperclassmen and underclassmen propelling them this Winter, and their chemistry on Birkelbach Field was noticeably palpable.
“We worked our butts off all year and this game was so stressful," said senior goalkeeper Maggie Manning. "After Olivia scored there was this sense of relief, and I'm so proud of everyone stepping up in the right times. I know that all of our seniors are excited to move on to the next level. We're going to use what we learned here from our coaches and carry that into college."
Senior Maggie Manning admires her recently received UIL-6A first place medalMatthew Ogle (VYPE)
With the likes of seniors Miller (Samford-signee), Manning (Houston-signee), Rosales, and Fregoso graduating in the coming weeks, it will be up to the next class – primarily Hess, Reagan Roberts, and Ava Germany – to uphold the bar the team has set.
“You can't ask for a better ending for our seniors," said coach Dickinson. "I've been with them for all four years, and to see how they have progressed in that time and impacted the program, to the point of becoming champions -- I couldn't be more proud."
The Eagles conclude their tremendous season with a record of 26-2-2, and get to travel back home to Prosper with some hardware to add to the school's growing trophy case.
STATE SEMIFINALS: Prosper Lady Eagles make historic appearance in State Tournament
The Prosper Lady Eagles' soccer team is making history this season as they embark on their first journey to the UIL State Tournament. Led by head coach Matt Dickinson, the team is set to take on Katy Seven Lakes in the state semifinals. VYPE DFW takes a look at their season so far and just what fans can expect:
The Season So Far
Opening their season with seven consecutive victories in non-district play over several opponents who are known for their skill on the field, the Lady Eagles recorded victory after victory over Highland Park (4-3), Dripping Springs (5-1), Flower Mound Marcus (2-0), Mansfield (3-1), Hockaday (3-1), and others as they sharpened their skills and prepared for the upcoming district schedule. Led by athletes like Maggie Manning, Beya Rosales, Madison Logeman, Olivia Hess, Skyler Yaroma, Brooklyn Miller, and others, the team was ready to get the ball rolling right out of the gate as they entered district play.
Finishing third in their district standings with a 10-2-2 record, the team never shied away from hard work and dedication on the field. Showcasing their ability to be resilient and their mentality to continue to learn from each moment, the team played with poise and grace as they defeated tough district opponents like Prosper Rock Hill (3-0), Little Elm (2-1), Denton Braswell (9-0, 13-0), McKinney (6-0), and more en route to the playoffs.
Once in the playoffs, there wasn't a second that the team showed any hesitation as they faced down some of the toughest opponents in the state. First, they defeated Coppell in a 2-1 overtime battle before they sent Arlington, Hebron, Southlake Carrol, and Flower Mound Marcus packing.
What to Expect
Punching their historic ticket to the state tournament is not going unnoticed by coaches, athletes, or fans. Continuing to put forth hard work with a drive to succeed, this squad can be expected to be ready to take on a challenge in facing the defending state champions who come into the tournament boasting a 23-1-2 overall record. Lady Eagles fans can expect a fast-paced environment where Prosper is sure to leave everything on the field with the hopes of advancing to the state title match.
The game is slated to begin at 12 p.m. on Friday, April 12th in Georgetown, Texas.