Since 1985, only Wakeland has won both the girls and boys Texas state championships in the same year, accomplishing this feat in 2018 and 2022. This year, they are striving to add to their successful past.
“Two years ago, we had a double-header state championship, and it felt super special,” senior midfielder Bryce Yong said. “Now being on varsity, it feels even more special because I’m more connected with the team, and I am able to witness history on the field.”
On Saturday, April 6, both the girls and boys booked their ticket to the state semifinals in Georgetown, as the girls won 1-0 against Reedy High School, and the boys won 1-0 against West Mesquite High School. Contributing to the win, sophomore forward Audrey Gilbert scored for the girls, and junior winger Max Parra scored for the boys.
“The important [factor] to winning the regional final was hard work,” Yong said. “West Mesquite is a tough team to play against because they are so physical.”
In the girls game, Wakeland put the pressure on early in the game and quickly put themselves in front. With only three minutes played in the game, Gilbert headed the ball into the goal after sophomore defender Sofia Rodriguez’ corner kick. The girls then played tough defense until the end of the game and secured the win.
In the boys game, Wakeland got off to a slow start and did not find the back of the net until the second half. With about eight minutes played in the second half, Parra struck the ball into the right corner of the goal off a through ball.
“It felt great to gain the lead once Max scored,” Yong said. “We were all hyped as well as the student section.”
In the state semifinals, both teams will play at Birkelbach Stadium in Georgetown on Thursday, April 11, with the girls playing at 12 p.m. against Leander Rouse High School and the boys playing at 5 p.m. against Leander Glenn High School.
“We need to start off strong against Leander Glenn and take them seriously from the start,” Yong said. “We need to give it our all from the very beginning because they have good players.”