Lady Cougars Soccer Finds Its Fight Again

The 2025 season marked a turning point for the Catoctin High School Lady Cougars Soccer Program, a year defined by resilience, growth, and belief.

Under the leadership of Head Coach Jimmy Ward, the Lady Cougars battled through a challenging season, filled with close contests, breakthrough performances, and defining moments.

While the year ended with a hard-fought playoff loss to Boonsboro High School, it will always be remembered as the season that reignited pride and competitiveness within the program.

The Lady Cougars opened the year with a statement victory over South Hagerstown, the program’s first win since October 7, 2021. From that moment forward, belief began to build. The team went on to finish the regular season, 5–7, highlighted by a 4-3 win over Thomas Johnson High School—Catoctin’s first victory against a Frederick County opponent since 2019.

What the scoreboard doesn’t show, however, is how drastically the program improved in every measurable way.

In 2025, Catoctin scored 31 goals and allowed just 34, compared to 8 goals scored and 91 allowed in 2024. The team’s five wins this season equal more than the previous nine seasons combined—a testament to the buy-in, effort, and accountability of the entire roster.

“This group brought heart and pride back to the program,” Coach Ward said. “They showed up, believed in the process, and represented what it means to play for something bigger than themselves. The wins are great, but the culture shift is what really matters.”

Catoctin’s offensive attack was led by senior Olivia Baker, who capped off her career with 10 goals and 5 assists, earning First Team All-Central Maryland Conference honors.

Freshman Adalyn DeGrange made an immediate impact, recording 9 goals and 8 assists, and earning Second Team All-CMC recognition alongside freshman Sofia Canadas Fraga, who established herself as one of the most reliable and consistent defenders in Frederick County.

Sophomore Adalyn Mucker added 5 goals and 3 assists, while sophomore Payden Fitzpatrick chipped in 4 goals, providing valuable offensive balance.

In goal, Sophomore Sophia Perez emerged as one of the best in the state, leading Maryland 1A with an astounding 175 saves while earning Honorable Mention All-Conference honors.

Junior Emerson Kuhn joined Perez on the Honorable Mention list, showcasing leadership and consistency on the back line.

The Lady Cougars’ roster featured 21 varsity athletes, including three seniors—Olivia Baker, Brianna Montoya, and Caroline Sanders—who left behind a legacy of perseverance and leadership.

“Our seniors laid the foundation,” Ward said. “They believed in what we were trying to build and helped bring that standard to life. They’ll always be remembered for being the start of something special.”

Additional postseason awards are still pending, but having multiple players recognized across the Central Maryland Conference speaks volumes about how far the program has come and where it’s heading.

The 2025 season will be remembered not just for the wins but for the mentality shift that took place within the program. The Lady Cougars competed with grit, confidence, and unity, laying the groundwork for an even brighter future. With the majority of the roster returning, Catoctin Soccer looks poised to continue its climb among Frederick County’s most improved programs.

“This season was about building belief,” Ward said. “Now it’s about raising the standard on the field, in the classroom, and in the community. We’re not done yet.”

The Catoctin High School Girls Soccer Program celebrates a successful season.