Tea Area High School girls’ soccer team sets sights on State Championship in Class AA debut

As the new soccer season kicks off, Tea Area High School’s girls’ soccer team, under the guidance of veteran head coach Mark Anderson, is gearing up with championship aspirations. Coach Anderson, now in his 13th season, holds an impressive record of 85-34-18 and is determined to lead his team to the pinnacle of high school soccer once again. 

“We’re approaching this season as we do every season—with the goal to win a State Championship,” Anderson stated. 

Coach Anderson brings a wealth of experience from his time with the Sioux Falls Soccer Association, Dakota Gold Soccer Club, Great Plains Soccer Club, and DASC Sioux Falls Flyers Youth Hockey. This season, he will be supported by assistant coaches Jasmin Sumic and Brooke Piper.

The team faces a significant challenge after graduating four key players: Aftyn Murray, Maddie Baatz, Zowie Bennet, and Isabella Johnson, all of whom were pivotal starters. Despite these losses, the Titans have plenty of talent returning.

Senior Chloe Wilson, who played last fall for Sporting Nebraska GA, is expected to return to the team and make a significant impact. Joining her in leading the attack are senior strikers Kendra Nielson, Kia Lekander, and Alana Otten. On the defensive side, senior Mya Neuhardt, senior Reese Hammerquist, and senior goalkeeper Abby Munson are set to anchor the team’s backline.

“Experience and speed are our strengths this season,” said Anderson. “We’ll be playing 14 games at a high pace, and we need to keep our focus intact, game to game. Every game will be a challenge as the teams we face are all experienced and eager to defeat the ‘new’ team.”

Last season the Titans claimed the Class A Championship title, this season Tea Area will be competing in Class AA. 

Coach Anderson highlighted Sioux Falls Lincoln, both Rapid City schools, reigning AA champions Harrisburg, runner-up Mitchell, and all Sioux Falls schools as teams to watch this season.

“Our goal, focus, and objective remain clear: get better every game, make the playoffs, and win a State Championship,” Anderson emphasized.

With high expectations and a seasoned roster, the Tea Area Titans are poised to make a strong run this season. 

The Titans begin this season this Saturday, Aug. 17 in a home match against Mitchell. The Titan girls are set to begin at 11 a.m. with the Titan boys holding their home opener as well, beginning at 1 p.m. that day.

The girls will be back in action on Aug. 20 when they travel to Brookings. They travel to Watertown on Aug. 27 and at home against Yankton on Aug. 29.  On Aug. 31 they host Harrisburg. 

In September, the Titans will travel to Huron on Sept. 5; to Sioux Falls Washington on Sept. 10 and they will be at home on Sept. 14 taking on Sioux Falls Roosevelt. They will be at Aberdeen Central on Sept. 17, home against Pierre on Sept. 21, and home against Sioux Falls Jefferson on Sept. 24. 

They travel to Sioux Falls O’Gorman on Oct. 1, to Sioux Falls Lincoln on Oct. 3 and will compete in the playoffs on Oct. 8. State is scheduled for Oct. 19 in Yankton.