The Hive Sports

by James Tate

As the 2025–2027 UHSAA realignment shakes up the landscape, Region 5 enters the fall season with a blank slate and a wide-open race for the crown. With the departure of defending champion Bountiful Redhawks to Region 6, the throne is vacant, and every team wants it. In a region reshuffled with teams in close proximity, two newcomers, West Field and Fremont, arrive ready to shake things up and challenge tradition.

But Clearfield, Northridge, Box Elder, Roy, and Bonneville are not backing down. These programs return with depth, determination, and the rankings to prove they’re contenders. Northridge leads the charge, entering the season fresh off a No. 6 finish in 5A, followed closely by Clearfield at No. 8 after a fierce quarterfinals run. Bonneville, Box Elder, and Roy round out the returning lineup with solid rankings and a drive to move up the ladder. Add in the Longhorns (No. 9 in 4A) and Silverwolves (No. 17 in 6A), and it’s clear: Region 5 is in store for an exciting 2025 season.

West Field Longhorns

Head Coach: Cade Miller

2024 overall and region record (9-11) (5-7)

Phalastine Odeh

In just one season, the Longhorns have gone from a brand-new program to a legitimate Region 5 contender. Led by Head Coach Cade Miller, the team enters 2025 with upgraded facilities, a passionate locker room, and a mission to stand out, on and off the field.

“I am excited that these girls get to compete against their friends, girls they play club with and see at Fiiz when they are grabbing a drink,” Coach Miller said. “Hometown bragging rights are finally at stake. Let’s go!”

Coach Miller isn’t just building a team, he’s shaping a culture. The Longhorns’ first season, marked by constant adaptation and grit, ended with a 9–11 record and earned the team respect throughout the region.

“So many great things I learned but what stands out is these girls are willing to adapt,” Coach Miller said. “We practiced at a public park, then a torn-up elementary school grass area, and then finally, mid-way through the season, we could train in the evening on the turf. They adapted, they overcame and I loved everything about it.”

The Longhorns will make noise this season in Region 5 with the return of Standard-Examiner All-Area Third Team midfielder Phalastine Odeh. Along with Odeh, the Longhorns bring back junior Julia Robbins and All-Region 11 Honorable Mention junior Ellie Chugg. Sophomores Kaylee Craythorne and Harlie Slaughter are players to watch as goalkeepers this season. Other players, including senior forward Pressly Weekes, gained valuable experience for the Longhorns, which will help them throughout the season.

“Although we graduated seven seniors, we have a lot of girls who got significant varsity minutes last year,” Coach Miller said. “I think we will have the deepest bench in the region which is great for hot summer soccer games.”

The Longhorn’s entire sports program experienced success in its first year, and the support they gave one another was evident throughout each sports season.

“I am proud of boys lacrosse for bringing the first region championship for West Field,” Coach Miller said. “We hope to be the first girl’s program to bring home a region championship. A big focus for our team is being different. Yes, we want to win games, but we want to create lasting memories and friendships that go beyond soccer. It starts with the coaches; we value and care for the girls, and we ask that they care for and value one another. It is a lot of work to do it differently, but the extra effort helps us tenfold in the long run. Don’t count the small school from Taylor out!”

Key Losses:

Avery Charlesworth (College of Southern Idaho)

Haylee John (Columbia Basin College)

Ally Hatch (Johnson Community College)

Ava Sanchez (University of Arkansas – Pine Bluff)

Maisey Miller (4-A All-State Honorable Mention)

Bonneville Lakers

Head coach: Brady Nicholls

2024 overall and region record (10-8)(7-7)

Kambry Dalton

The Lakers enjoyed a winning season under first-year Head Coach Brady Nicholls in 2024, and they are looking to keep that momentum going this season.

“This was my first year as the girl’s coach, and I really tried to change the culture,” Coach Nicholls said. “I tried to empower the girls not to play scared; mistakes were going to happen, but to keep their heads up and keep working. We were a defensive-minded team that scored in high-pressure moments. We won a lot of close games and overtime games that I attribute to our girl’s resilience.”

The Lakers return several key contributors from last season’s team that made it into the quarterfinal round of the state tournament. Leading the group will be returning captain, senior Miley Falk, and All-Region First Team and Standard-Examiner All-Area Second Team junior Kambry Dalton. Falk possesses all the skills of a midfielder, controlling the game, setting up scoring opportunities, and being an elite defender. Dalton led the team with nine goals scored, which included two-goal games against Woods Cross and Morgan High Schools.

The Laker’s defense was on point last season, giving up only 23 goals. Junior goalkeeper Lily Atkinson garnished  Deseret News All-State First Team and All-Region honors. Atkinson will get help from All-Region Second Team defender junior Maggie Anderson.

Junior midfielder Liliana Amarillo will be a player to watch this season, having come up big by scoring two goals in last season’s first-round playoff win over the Highland Rams. Also ready to shine for the Lakers are senior Lily Robertson, junior Marley Chournos, and sophomore Sophie White.

“I think our strength will be our experience,” Coach Nicholls said. “Our upcoming juniors and seniors have a ton of varsity experience. We played in many close games that taught us to find different ways to win. Also, just in the short time we’ve been doing conditioning and training, I’ve seen a huge increase in our returning players’ development and confidence.”

The Lakers have a good enough squad to compete at the top of Region 5 and make a run in the playoffs this season.

“We have a strong senior and junior class with some younger players also looking to make their mark,” Coach Nicholls said. “I expect big things from our returning squad. We have a lot of talent and depth, with opportunities for last year’s junior varsity players to transition to varsity. I am excited for several junior varsity and varsity players to take on a bigger role from last year and really help the team. We also have a very exciting group of incoming freshmen that are full of talent.”

Key Losses

Hallie Nelson

Meili Larsen

Kierra Campbell

Camila Arreguin

Box Elder Bees

Head coach: BJ Barber

2024 overall and region record (6-12)(4-10)

The Bees will look to improve upon last season’s six-win year with the loss of only three seniors from last year’s squad. A talented group returns after playing many close games decided by one goal last year.

Coming back for her senior year for the Bees is Halli Wright after receiving Standard-Examiner All-Area Second Team honors. Wright led the Bees with 12 goals scored from her forward position. Standard-Examiner All-Area Third Team midfielder Desarae Elegante also returns for the Bees. Elegante missed games last season due to an injury, but the senior captain is ready for a comeback year.

Other key contributors to the Bees offense will be seniors Oaklee Wylie, Karli Andersen, Oakley Norman, Olivia Saunders, Ariana Poll, and sophomore Taylor Nye.

Senior captain and goalkeeper Emma Nelson returns to lead a strong defense that welcomes back seniors Ellie Young, Madisyn Johnson, and sophomore Milley Barber.  

Key losses

Brooklyn Hadfield

Mia Abrams

Fremont Silverwolves

Head coach: Heath Madsen* (hired July 2025)

2024 overall and region record (3-14) (0-10)

Katelynn Meyerhoffer

The Silverwolves’ 2024 season did not conclude with as many victories as they had hoped, but the team played hard in every game and retained most of its players for the upcoming year. New Head Coach Heath Madsen takes over from former Head Coach Alain Reyes after being an assistant coach the past six years. is optimistic about a turnaround season in 2025, thanks to the experience and teamwork established this past season. A notable highlight from last year was an early-season three-game winning streak that showcased the Silverwolves as a cohesive unit.

“During that three-game win streak, I witnessed the grit, resilience, and unity that this team is truly capable of,” Coach Reyes said. “We came out with focus and a belief in ourselves, and it showed in how we executed the g me plan. What I took from that run is that when this group is confident and connected, we can compete with anyone. The challenge now is to make that the standard every time we step onto the field. That belief and mentality is something we’re carrying into this season, and it’s a big reason I’m confident we have a brighter year ahead.”

Veteran players will be key for the Silverwolves as they move into the realigned 5A class Region 5.

“Having a strong core of returning players, composed of a good number of seniors at the varsity level, is a huge advantage for us,” Coach Reyes said. “These girls have been through the highs and lows together, and that experience is invaluable. They understand the expectations, they know the culture we’re building, and many have stepped into leadership roles. What excites me the most is seeing how this continuity will help us hit the ground running and build upon what we started last year. The trust and chemistry are already there, now it’s about translating that into more consistent results.”

Senior forward and captain Arizeth Reyes returns to lead a group of strikers ready to take the next step and be strong contenders in the region. Returning to help attack include seniors Mylie Schoenfeld, Carrera Taylor, Hayden Ulm, and juniors Sierra Schneider and Jerzee Watson.

Senior Kaitlyn Worthley, a multi-sport athlete and state champion wrestler, is a goalkeeper with great instincts and mental toughness. Her quick reactions and skills will be invaluable to the Silverwolves in goal. Senior Katelyn Meyerhoffer, a returning captain, will lead the defense, while senior captain Page McCormick provides stability as a midfielder alongside Ellie Jensen, Ashtyn Lewis, and Kenlee Hunsaker.

The Silverwolves are enthusiastic about this season and ready to make it a turning point for their future.

“This team means a lot to me, and I’m proud of how far we’ve come together,” Coach Reyes said. “It hasn’t been an easy road, we’ve faced adversity, embraced new challenges, and learned to adapt. This year, our focus is on being the best version of ourselves every time we step on the field. We’re going to compete hard, play for each other, and approach every match with a ‘never settle’ mentality. Our goal is to build a strong team identity, stay committed to improvement, and make this a season that sets a new standard for Fremont High School girls’ soccer. Bring on the challenges, we’re ready to rise to the occasion and make this year one to remember.”

Northridge Knights

Head coach: Kenadee Thomas

2024 overall and region record (13-6) (10-4)

The Northridge Knights girls’ soccer team is gearing up for the 2025 season with renewed energy, a new head coach, and a strong desire to build on last year’s late-season momentum. After finishing second in the region and making a deep playoff run that ended in a heartbreaking shootout loss to Maple Mountain, the Knights are determined to convert their promise into championship contention.

The team welcomes new Head Coach Kenadee Thomas, a 2023 Northridge alum and former collegiate standout at Salt Lake Community College. Her return to the program she once led as a player brings both passion and proven experience.

“I’m incredibly excited and honored to step into the role of head coach at Northridge,” Coach Thomas said. “This is a program I played for, believe in, and am proud to lead now. I may be young, but I see that as one of my greatest strengths. Coming straight from playing at a high level allows me to connect with my athletes in a unique way. My mission is to create a positive, empowering team culture where girls not only develop as athletes but also as confident, resilient individuals.”

Thomas credits her college mentors, Olympic gold medalist Amy LePeilbet and Marli Martin, for shaping her coaching philosophy, which focuses on discipline, team culture, and a growth mindset.

A key challenge for the Knights will be replacing starting goalkeeper Beth Manwill as they enter the newly restructured Region 5. Junior Makenzie Stout, who gained experience last year, will be among those vying for the goalkeeper position. The Knights last claimed a region title in 2019 and are eager to compete this season after finishing 8-2 against the current Region 5 teams.

“We’re definitely going to miss last year’s incredible group of seniors,” Coach Thomas stated. “Losing players like Manwill, Sivulich, Olsen, and Cypers is never easy. They were talented, hardworking, and brought so much heart to this program. I’m excited to watch each of them continue their journeys at the college level, and I have no doubt they’ll make a big impact wherever they go. What made that group special wasn’t just their performance on the field; it was the standard they set every day. They helped build a culture of discipline, effort, and unity that this year’s team is committed to carrying forward. Having leaders like that provided our returning players with a clear example of what it means to be not just a great player, but also a great teammate and person. Their legacy is something we’re proud of and will continue to build on this season.”

Despite these losses, the Knights return a strong core of talent and leadership. Seniors Carsen Reiva, Tielyr Hakala, and Brittney Ropelato will anchor the team, alongside junior Mylee Williams. With depth across the field and a renewed emphasis on cohesion, the Knights are well-positioned to compete in the newly realigned Region 5.

“Our strength this year is our unity,” Coach Thomas said. “These girls are committed to each other. We have a strong core group who shows up ready to work every day, and their mindset is exactly what we want—focused on getting just 0.01% better each day. It’s not about perfection; it’s about progress. We’re building something special, where culture drives performance, and being a great teammate matters just as much as being a great player. I’m looking forward to a season filled with growth, grit, and joy. We’re not just building a team; we’re building a family. I can’t wait to see what this group accomplishes together. We talk a lot about showing up for each other, especially when things aren’t going our way. That, to me, is where real growth happens.”

Key losses

Sophia Sivulich (Brigham Young University)

Abby Olsen (Utah Tech University)

Claire Cypers (Salt Lake Community College)

Beth Manwill (Southern Virginia University)

Clearfield Falcons

Head coach: Kam Nordfors

2024 overall and region record (11-8)(9-5)

Kamryn Weaver

The Clearfield Falcons girls soccer team enters the 2025 season with high expectations and a fresh vision. After a strong 11-8 overall showing last year, including a dominant 8-1 performance in the newly aligned Region 5, the Falcons are ready to build on a legacy of postseason success.

Their 2024 campaign ended in the quarterfinals at the hands of eventual state champion Olympus, but the grit and growth shown throughout the season proved Clearfield belongs among the 5A elite.

This year, the team welcomes new Head Coach Kam Nordfors, a seasoned leader with 25 years of coaching experience. His résumé includes club stints with Wasatch SC, Metasport, Avalanche, and the Olympic Development Program. On the high school level, Nordfors coached on the staff of the Weber High’s boys team to 6A state titles in 2019 and 2021.

“We are going to give everything we have in every game,” Coach Nordfors said. “These girls are good, and I hope I can continue to build this program the way Kelly left it.” 

Nordfors will hit the ground running at Clearfield, as his style, enthusiasm, and commitment will be a great addition to the talented Falcons team.

“How I like to play is possession-based with going forward as much as possible,” Coach Nordfors said. The first year is about building a culture that everyone has bought into and strives for, and playing great soccer.”

Leading the charge is senior Kamryn Weaver, a Standard-Examiner All-Area Second Team honoree, who notched 12 goals last season. Joining her is senior standout Tatum Thomas, a Utah State University commit whose playmaking abilities makes her one of Utah’s most electrifying talents. Anchoring the defense is senior Raegan Cornell, a reliable and fierce force in the back line, while sophomore Emmery Johnson looks to expand her midfield influence after a breakout freshman campaign.

Key losses

Sadie Goble

Emery Berg

Danica Fox

Addie Erekson

Maryann Kirkman

Roy Royals

Head coach: Bailey Pollock

2024 overall and region record (0-17) (0-14)

Jordyn Davies

The Royals girls soccer team heads into the new season with renewed energy and a clear mission: improvement, unity, and heart. Under second-year Head Coach Bailey Pollock, the squad is embracing a culture built on tight-knit relationships and relentless effort.

“Our program works hard to build lifelong relationships with one another each and every year,” Coach Pollock said. “The girls build one another up, encourage one another, and cheer on one another’s success. The environment within our program that the girls create is one of a kind.”

Senior midfielder Eva Reed, a standout who earned Standard-Examiner All-Area Third Team honors in 2024, will anchor the team with poise and impact. A solid team, featuring veteran players and newcomers ready to contribute, gives the Royals a positive outlook on the upcoming season.

“Eva Reed will be a senior this year and plays midfield,” Coach Pollock said. “She always generates a huge presence on the field. Taylee Zamora will be a senior this year and plays forward or defense. Her speed was a great asset last year. Jordyn Davies will be a senior this year and plays forward. Her skillset on the ball created phenomenal opportunities last year. McKinley Gifford will be a junior and plays goalie. She had tremendous saves last year in the box every single game. Ambree Gadie will be a junior this year and plays defense. She was constantly solid in the backline last year and created opportunities wherever she was.”

With a full season in Coach Pollock’s system and clear buy-in from the team, the Royals are aiming high this season.

“We look forward to the growth and development that each girl has made since our season last year,” Coach Pollock said. “We look forward to showcasing each girl’s talent and working as one to achieve our program’s goals.” 

Key losses

Taylor Delgado (Pacific Union College)

Iva Hunt (Columbia Basin College)

photos courtesy of James Tate