GAMES
RANKINGS
The FM Marcus Girls Soccer program rushes Birkelbach Field seconds after their 1-0 win against Stratford
BACK ON TOP: Marcus reclaims UIL Crown in a closely contested 6A-D2 Final
The rich keep getting richer at Flower Mound Marcus.
With a 1-0 victory over Stratford in Saturday’s 6A-Division II Final, the Marauders girls’ soccer program capped off yet another remarkable campaign, securing their third state title in program history — and their second under head coach Erin Smith.
Ranked No. 2 in Texas by MaxPreps, Marcus entered the match with an 18-4-3 record, leaning on a battle-tested roster that featured standouts like Maddie Hayes, Emma Fioretti (Central Oklahoma-signee), and Piper Garcia (American University).
But it was Hayes, the senior forward and now two-time state champion, who delivered the critical moment.
Just two minutes into the second half, Hayes curled a free-kick past a narrow gap in the Stratford wall, scoring a goal that would ultimately be the decider.
Said moment also led to her being named the 6A-D2 State MVP.
Marcus' Maddie Hayes (Sr. F) being presented with the 2025 UIL 6A-D2 State MVP AwardMatthew Ogle (VYPE)
“I definitely had the confidence when I stepped up to that shot,” said Hayes. “I’ve been in similar situations throughout the year, and once I saw a gap through the wall towards the post, I knew that it should be in.”
For Hayes, it was a full-circle finish to her high school playing career.
“After winning it during my sophomore year, we kind of thought that it wouldn’t happen again because it’s such a rare occasion,” she said. “But bringing it back means so much more. We have such a great community that always stands behind us, so they’re going to be really happy when we come home with the gold.”
While the goal proved to be the game-winner, the Marauders' defensive unit — anchored by senior goalkeeper Aubrey Tipton — held firm against a dangerous Stratford side, which came into its first-ever Final Four appearance with a 22-2-3 record and a No. 12 state ranking.
Coach Erin Smith, who took over as interim head coach in 2023 and was later named the full-time lead after guiding Marcus to a championship that same year, praised the resilience of her team.
Head Coach Erin SmithMatthew Ogle (VYPE)
“It took a lot of grit,” Smith said. “The experience that this group brings to the table shows in the most critical moments. We’ve been down before, especially in district-play, and the knowledge of what it takes to overcome has been a strength. At the end of the day, I’m so proud of them because they accomplished exactly what they set out to do from the beginning.”
This championship was especially meaningful for Smith, who led a senior class she began her tenure with — all while adjusting to life as both a head coach and new mother.
“Honestly, I’ve been able to take a deep breath this year which has been really nice,” Smith said. “After that first year in the interim position and then having a child, I had a more secure footing this season and made all the adjustments needed. What makes this one sweeter is the fact that I was able to see off the first class of seniors I began with in the best way possible. Plus, having my baby here to watch along the way has been especially sweet.”
As the final whistle blew, the Marauders celebrated not only another title but the legacy of a program that continues to raise the bar in Texas high school soccer.
EXTRA TIME: Previewing the 2025 UIL Soccer State Finals--Coppell v. Lake Travis (Girls 6A-D1)
We’ve reached the critical point of the UIL Soccer season, with teams across the state heading to Georgetown to compete for a state championship.
For the girls’ side, it doesn’t get much better than the 6A-Division I Final, where Coppell will face Lake Travis in what promises to be an entertaining clash of soccer powerhouses.
Under the leadership of third-year head coach Craig Able, Coppell enters the championship as the No. 2-ranked team in Texas (MaxPreps), with an impressive record of 21-2-3.
The Cowgirls have been tested throughout the season, particularly with a challenging district schedule that included tough opponents like Flower Mound, whom they defeated 1-0 in the State Semifinals. FM Marcus, who will play in the 6A-D2 Final, was also a part of that tough district lineup.
Coppell has continued to shine in the postseason, dispatching powerhouse teams like Keller (4-1) and, most recently, The Woodlands (3-0) in dominant fashion.
This marks their fourth appearance at the State Tournament, with their last state title coming in 2015 with a 3-0 victory over Highland Park.
The Cowgirls boast a roster full of standout athletes, many of whom are set to continue their careers at the collegiate level.
Senior forward Reagan Roberson, who leads the team with 25 goals, is committed to play at DBU. Other key contributors include defenders Monica Morales (WashU) and Neerali Kapadia (Rice), midfielder Summer Chen (Gonzaga), and senior goalkeeper Veronika Orzolek, who will play at the University of Central Lancashire in England.
With a strong mix of seasoned players, Coppell aims for its third state title.
On the other side of the field, Lake Travis enters the final with a 22-1-1 record, their only loss coming at the hands of Coppell (4-0) in the season opener on January 2nd.
The Cavaliers, led by coach William Maloney, have been nearly unstoppable since then, riding a 13-game winning streak into the championship game. In Friday's State Semifinal, they secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Seven Lakes to earn their spot in the title match.
This is Lake Travis’ fifth appearance at the State Tournament, but their first trip to the final since 2003. Though they have yet to capture a championship, there’s no time like the present.
Lake Travis is led by captains Breckyn Ferrell (junior midfielder, Colorado State commit) and Colette Whitsitt (senior goalkeeper, Trinity), two players who have anchored the team throughout the season. The Cavaliers also feature key contributors like midfielder Amelia Clark (junior) and defender Maya Ramirez (sophomore), both of whom have played pivotal roles in their team's success.
These two soccer giants will square off this Saturday at 4:00 PM at Birkelbach Field, with everything on the line as they vie for the 6A-Division I crown.