by James Tate

Head Coach: Cade Miller

2025 Record: Overall (12-7) Region (9-3)

The 2026 West Field Longhorns enter the new season with momentum and expectation after finishing as tri‑champions in Region 5 last fall and earning a No. 7 statewide ranking in their first year competing at the 5A level. Head Coach Cade Miller, now in his third season at the helm, returns a roster built for another title chase, experienced, balanced, and headlined by five All‑Region honorees.

At the heart of West Field’s identity is Harley Slaughter, the Standard‑Examiner All‑Area First Team goalkeeper whose command of the box helped produce one of the region’s stingiest defenses. Senior Madie Webster, an All‑Region First Team selection, anchors the back line with senior captain Sadie Wiseman, an All‑Region Second Team pick whose poise and leadership elevate the entire unit.

Harley Slaughter

To strengthen the defensive core even further, the Longhorns add new goalkeeper coach Pedro Galicia, whose experience and deep technical knowledge in training elite keepers bring an immediate boost to the program. Coach Galicia’s presence is expected to elevate Slaughter and the entire keeper unit, which also includes senior Pressley Robinson, junior Kaylee Craythorne, and sophomore Levi Tenney, sharpening technique, communication, and match‑readiness at a championship level.

In the midfield, junior Marissa Hatch, an All‑Region Second Team standout, returns as a central piece of the Longhorns’ structure with her range, composure, and ball‑winning ability. Senior Landry VonBurg adds experience and elite technical skill, giving West Field a reliable distributor capable of controlling tempo.

Up top, senior Emme Joseph brings proven scoring power after co‑leading the team with six goals last season. Senior Macie Schwitzer returns after serving as a captain and providing steady defensive minutes, further strengthening the team’s veteran core.

Madie Webster

Depth remains a defining strength. Senior forwards Pressly Weekes and Julia Robbins, the latter matching Joseph with six goals last season, give West Field multiple scoring threats. Junior midfielder Marley Cloward, senior defender Phoebe Warr, and midfielders Abi Ridley and Mia Morrison round out a rotation capable of sustaining pressure and adapting to any matchup.

The Longhorns do graduate several key contributors, Kenley Fuit, Breck Bushman, Andi Patterson, and Halle Wyatt, but last year’s closing stretch showed the resilience and ceiling of this returning group. West Field ripped off a six‑game win streak to finish region play, including decisive victories over Box Elder and Clearfield to secure a share of the Region 5 crown.

With championship experience, a veteran core, and impact players at every level, now supported by enhanced goalkeeper development under Coach Galicia, West Field enters 2026 positioned not just to defend its title, but to elevate its standing in the 5A landscape.

photos courtesy of James Tate