by James Tate

Head Coach: BJ Barber

2025 Record: Overall (13-7) Region (9-3)

After claiming a share of the Region 5 title last season alongside West Field and Clearfield, Box Elder enters 2026 with a clear and unapologetic goal: win the championship outright. Head Coach BJ Barber, now in his fourth year at the helm, has built a program that expects to contend, and last season’s run to the 5A state semifinals only sharpened that hunger.

The Bees were one of the most dynamic teams in the region in 2025, leading Region 5 in both goals scored (66) and goals allowed (17). Their ability to generate offense while remaining defensively disciplined made them one of the toughest outs in the classification.

That identity carried them into the postseason, where they entered the tournament as the No. 11 seed and promptly proved they were far better than their ranking. Box Elder defeated West Jordan at home and then stunned Hillcrest on the road, punching their ticket to the semifinals before falling to eventual champion Spanish Fork. It was a run that showcased the program’s resilience and hinted at what Coach Barber is building.

Milley Barber

The challenge now is replacing a large and talented graduating class. The Bees lose several cornerstone players, including Desarae Elegante, who is headed to Utah State University–Eastern, along with Emma Nelson, Oaklee Wylie, Madisyn Johnson, Halli Wright, Ellie Young (Northwest College), Ari Poll, Oakley Norman and Amber Murray. Their departures leave meaningful gaps in every phase of the field, and Barber will spend the early part of the season identifying which combinations can replicate the chemistry and production of last year’s group.

Even with the turnover, Box Elder returns enough firepower to remain a contender. Junior forward Taylor Nye and junior midfielder Maddison Barber, both Deseret News All‑State Second Team selections in 2025, give the Bees a proven one‑two punch. Nye’s scoring ability and Maddison Barber’s midfield command form the backbone of the attack, and both players have the talent to elevate their games even further as upperclassmen.

The returning core extends beyond the headliners. Maddison’s twin sisters, Milley and Marley Barber, bring versatility and familiarity to the lineup. Seniors Sevia Sommer and Adrie Young provide leadership and stability, while juniors Mia Page and Prestann Orton add depth and athleticism. It’s a group with enough experience to keep Box Elder competitive while the next wave of players grows into larger roles.

Taylor Nye

Coach Barber’s challenge is significant, but so is his track record. Box Elder has shown year after year that it can reload rather than rebuild, and the Bees’ culture of toughness, discipline, and belief has carried them through roster transitions before. With returning stars capable of carrying the scoring load and a coaching staff that consistently maximizes its talent, Box Elder is positioned to remain in the Region 5 title conversation from opening kickoff to the final week of the season.

The Bees want the championship outright this time. And if the new faces blend with the returning core the way Coach Barber expects, Box Elder will once again be there at the end, dangerous, determined, and capable of another deep postseason run.

photos courtesy of James Tate