by James Tate

Head Coach: Dillon Richens

2025 Record: Overall (11-8) Region (2-6)

Head Coach Dillon Richens enters his third season at the helm with a veteran roster and a program that has quietly become one of the most resilient in Region 1. The Darts finished 11–8 last fall, but their record only tells part of the story. After an up‑and‑down run through region play, Davis caught fire in the postseason, stringing together upset wins and pushing all the way to the state semifinals, where they proved they could compete with anyone in 6A.

Despite the roller‑coaster region slate, Davis emerged from 2025 with a clearer identity and a core that learned how to respond when the stakes rose. That postseason run didn’t just validate their talent; it reshaped the program’s confidence. Coach Richens returns a group that understands what it takes to win elimination games, and that experience has carried into the offseason.

The Darts enter 2026 not as a surprise contender, but as a seasoned group intent on proving that last year’s surge was the beginning of something sustainable.

That identity crystallized during Davis’s postseason surge, where their defense became the defining force of the run. The Darts went on the road and delivered back‑to‑back shutout victories over Lehi and Farmington, two disciplined, well‑coached programs that rarely get blanked at home.

Those performances weren’t flukes; they were the product of organization, communication, and a back line that refused to break under pressure. In both matches, Davis absorbed early pushes, tightened their shape, and countered with precision, showcasing a defensive unit capable of dictating the tempo of high‑stakes games. Those wins became the backbone of their semifinal charge and set the standard for what this veteran group expects to replicate in 2026.

Kate Willard

Region 1: A gauntlet every night

Richens didn’t mince words about the challenge of competing in Region 1.

“Region 1 is incredibly competitive,” Coach Richens said. “We’ve been playing each other for a long time, so almost every game feels like a rivalry game. Being a region champion speaks to your consistency and focus as a team.”

Six of Davis’ eight losses came against region opponents, a reminder of how unforgiving the league can be. But Richens views that grind as a sharpening tool, one that prepares his team for the moments that matter most.

A postseason switch

The Darts’ playoff surge wasn’t accidental. Richens described the season as three distinct phases: preseason, region, and state, each with its own priorities.

“The biggest change for our group was a belief and confidence that we could meet our goals,” Coach Richens said. “We learned that we could play with confidence regardless of previous setbacks.”

That confidence carried Davis through tight matches and helped a young core discover its identity under pressure. As Richens enters year three, he and his staff have gained clarity on what it takes to guide a team from August to October.

“Every year is different,” Coach Richens said. “We’ve been fortunate to have a very similar group for the last three years, and even still, each season presents different challenges. Identifying those challenges and solving them together as quickly as possible allows the team to move toward our goals.”

That continuity, paired with a coaching staff that knows how to adapt, has become one of Davis’ quiet strengths.

Reial Phongsavath

Leadership emerging everywhere

Davis returns one of the deepest and most decorated cores in Region 1, giving Coach Richens a roster loaded with experience, versatility, and high‑end talent.

Senior forward Kate Willard headlines the group after earning Deseret News All‑State Second Team honors. An exceptional all‑around athlete, Willard has committed to play soccer at Weber State University but also continues to draw attention from colleges for her standout play on the basketball court. Her blend of speed, strength, and competitive fire makes her one of the most dynamic attacking players in the state.

Joining her on the Deseret News All‑State Second Team is junior midfielder Reial Phongsavath, one of the premier young talents in Utah. Phongsavath has committed to the University of Florida and was selected to the U.S. Soccer Talent ID Camp. This prestigious program evaluates and tracks players for future national team consideration. Her technical ability, field vision, and composure make her the engine of the Darts’ midfield.

Senior forward Sammy Maudsley, an All‑Region Second Team selection, brings scoring ability and toughness to the attack and has committed to continuing her career at Pepperdine University, a testament to her next‑level talent. On the back line, senior defender Courtney Burbidge, an All‑Region Honorable Mention standout, anchors the defense with her speed, physicality, and discipline. One of the state’s premier all‑around athletes, Burbidge has drawn college interest in both soccer and track, underscoring just how dynamic and impactful she is for Davis.

Senior captain Makenna Couser returns with an elite all‑around game and the leadership presence Coach Richens wants, someone capable of elevating the group on and off the field. Senior Marley Francis, committed to Utah Tech University, adds another college‑level talent to the mix, and senior Lola Martineau rounds out the returning core as yet another high‑impact player capable of shaping matches. Adding more depth to the Darts will be senior Ellie Stowers, who scored three goals last year and played stellar defense.

With this combination of experience, accolades, and next‑level commitments, Davis enters 2026 with leadership spread across every position group, attack, midfield, defense, and the entire team.

Courtney Burbidge

Replacing a key piece in goal

Graduating goalkeeper Kaitlyn Harris leaves a significant hole, and Richens acknowledged the challenge.

“If only players didn’t have to graduate,” Coach Richens said. “Replacing players is always a challenge, and we will see who has the ability and desire to step up and make the difference.”

The keeper battle will be one of Davis’ most important storylines entering August.

The vision for 2026

Richens’ outlook for the season is simple but ambitious. He’s looking forward to “having a solid team that can continue to develop into closer friends and hopefully champions.”

With returning experience, a proven coaching staff, and the confidence gained from last year’s postseason run, Davis enters 2026 as one of Region 1’s most intriguing contenders, battle‑tested, motivated, and capable of making noise once again.

photos courtesy of Shaunna Burbidge