What a season! The Frenship Girls Soccer Team broke past barriers and raised the bar this season. It had been almost five years since the Tigers competed in the Regional Quarterfinals round and advanced on to the Regional Semifinals round.  

The Tigers concluded their season last Friday against Flower Mound Marcus; the final score was 1-0. Head Girls Soccer Coach Lauren Denning shares how she saw the Tigers' grit and perseverance on the field. 

“We knew the Regional Semifinal game was going to be a tough one. Our region is without a doubt the toughest region in the state and that tournament was basically determining the State Champion,” said Coach Denning. “Marcus was an athletic team that moves the ball well so we knew we would have to stay solid on defense and try to make the most of the chances that we would get offensively.” 

In the Regional Semifinals, the Tigers not only faced adversity on the field, but with the temperatures outside.  

“It was also probably the hottest game we have had all year. To start playing in December in freezing temperatures and then end in March in temperatures of 80 degrees is quite a swing. The girls fought. Every single player there was focused on being their best for the team whether it was on the field or off. I watched my subs rally the girls on the field. I watched my girls on the field fight through 80 minutes of fierce competition. Marcus took advantage of a good opportunity, and we weren’t able to do the same,” said Coach Denning.  

Without a doubt it has been an incredible season for the Tigers. Coach Denning’s favorite part has been seeing how the team has discovered a passion for soccer that goes beyond themselves.  

“My favorite part is always seeing my kids achieve something that seems daunting and maybe impossible at the beginning of the season,” said Denning. “I love seeing players come together for a purpose that turns into more than just ‘I want to score goals’ or ‘I want to win district’ and turns into ‘we want to leave everything on the field and play for more than ourselves.’ I watched these kids celebrate each other more than any other team I’ve coached. That was really fun to watch.” 

When reflecting on all the milestones reached this season, Coach Denning has much to be proud of. One of her most proud coaching moments was during the Area Playoff round against Keller High School.  

“The one I keep coming back to was our 2nd round game against Keller.  Our theme this year was “Unfinished Business” because we felt like we left some on the table against Keller in that same round last year (2022-2023 season),” said Denning.  Everything about this game felt different. A different energy, a different focus, a different mentality. It was pretty electric before the game in the locker room.” 

The Tigers had a thrilling game against the Keller Indians but had to overcome some misfortune on the field. Denning shares that having to look past the referee's call and move forward with integrity and grace spoke volumes about the Tigers.  

“Then we dominated the game but ended up tied and having to go to overtime. We scored an amazing goal, and the referee decides to take it away with less than a minute left in OT. We are forced into Penalty Kicks,” said Denning. “Our team had gone from celebrating a win to getting it ripped away and having to refocus to try and win the game in an excruciating way. I turned to get them focused and bring them together, and they were already huddling up. I heard a few words and a prayer and then I asked if they were ready. They turned and said yes. We dominated in PKs. It was pure character. They could have pouted, and they could have argued, but instead they came together and focused on what they had to do next. I think I will always remember that moment.” 

As the playoffs have come to a close and the Tigers set a high standard for future teams to fulfill, Coach Denning is looking forward to continuing to invest in the players before their next chapter.  

“I’m looking forward to enjoying some time with the players in a less stressful environment. To work on some individual skills and try to strengthen them before next season. I told the seniors this year that when we get back to the Regional Tournament next year, it will be because of the legacy and expectations that we have built this year,” said Denning.  

Great work, Girls Soccer! Frenship is proud of the standard of excellence and sportsmanship shown throughout the season.  

Photo by: Camden Reese, Frenship High School Junior