by James Tate

The 2025 Region 5 girls’ soccer campaign ended in rare fashion: a three‑way tie for the championship between the Box Elder Bees, West Field Longhorns, and Clearfield Falcons. Each program claimed a share of the crown, underscoring the balance and competitiveness that defines this region. The final MaxPreps 5A rankings reflected that parity, with Box Elder finishing ninth, West Field tenth, and Clearfield twelfth statewide.

As the 2026 season begins, the race for the top spot looks just as wide‑open. Every team in Region 5 returns impact players, and several programs welcome new coaching leadership that could shift the competitive landscape. The mix of seasoned veterans and emerging stars ensures another year of tight battles, dramatic finishes, and playoff‑caliber soccer across Northern Utah.

Fans should keep an eye on standout performers who already have statewide recognition. Bonneville’s Kambry Dalton, a Deseret News First Team All‑State honoree, headlines the region’s returning talent. Box Elder juniors Taylor Nye and Maddison Barber, both Deseret News Second Team All‑State selections, bring scoring punch to the Bees’ attack.

Bonneville goalkeeper Lily Atkinson, also a Deseret News Second Team All‑State pick, anchors the Lakers’ defense. Additional Deseret News All-State Honorable Mention players, Northridge junior Tenlee Thomas, Bonneville sophomore Alanna Smith, and Bonneville senior defender Maggie Anderson, round out a deep pool of talent that guarantees high‑level competition.

Sierra Schneider

Fremont Silverwolves

Head Coach: Heath Madsen

2025 Record: Overall (6-12) Region (4-8)

Year two under Head Coach Heath Madsen arrives with a sense of stability and upward momentum for the Fremont Silverwolves, who enter their second season in Region 5 with a roster that knows exactly who it is and how it wants to play. Though Madsen is still early in his tenure as Fremont’s head coach, his long run as an assistant gives him a deep understanding of the players, the program, and the community. This foundation now shapes a team built on continuity, trust, and a clear identity.

The signature moment of Fremont’s 2025 campaign, a gritty 1–0 victory over rival West Field early in the season, showcased the Silverwolves’ resilience, defensive discipline, and ability to rise in big moments. That identity carries forward into 2026 with a core that has grown together and trusts one another deeply.

Fremont returns its top two goal scorers in seniors Sierra Schneider (11 goals) and Jerzee Watson (5 goals), giving Coach Madsen one of the most dangerous attacking duos in the region. Schneider’s relentlessness, strength on the ball, and constant pressure make her a problem for any back line. Watson complements her perfectly with elite quickness, sharp ball skills, and the ability to beat defenders in space. Their chemistry and contrasting styles give Fremont a reliable scoring foundation.

Zara Taylor

The Silverwolves also bring back a strong senior class, Ashtyn Lewis, Kenlee Hunsaker, Zara Taylor, McKahl Champneys, and Avery Chambers, along with promising sophomores Kinli Pratt and Tess Iverson, all of whom played meaningful minutes last season.

Depth continues to be a strength, with seniors Taylor Grose and Tenaya Norton, plus sophomores Alyson King, Oakley Rasmussen, Sophie Bolos, and Reagan Conroy, ready to push for expanded roles. It’s a roster built on cohesion, toughness, and a genuine enjoyment of playing together, traits that make Fremont competitive in every match.

The Silverwolves endured the loss of senior defender Page McCormick to injury last season and now face the departure of several standout contributors to graduation. Key names moving on include Arizeth Reyes, Hayden Ulm, Katelyn Meyerhoffer, Ellie Jensen, Carrera Taylor, and Mylie Schoenfeld, a group whose leadership and production will be difficult to replace.

Replacing keeper graduates Katilyn Worthly and Rubi Flores will be one of the key challenges, but the Silverwolves have emerging options ready to step forward. Junior Hadley Glaittli and sophomores Sophie Jones and Cyndee Taylor are expected to help fill those gaps as Fremont reshapes its rotation.

With returning firepower, a connected locker room, and a coach and team that have trust and believe in each other, the Silverwolves will once again be firmly in the mix for the Region 5 title.

photos courtesy of James Tate