The Whitehall soccer team didn't have the record it wanted last season - it won four games - but with a ton of skilled players returning and a deeper, larger roster this spring, coach Laicey Chamberlain is optimistic the Vikings will enjoy more success.
One major issue Whitehall had last season was a lack of depth exacerbated by injuries, which often showed up in the second halves of games. Chamberlain said a few girls joined the team midseason to have some more bodies available, and those players are back, as well as an exciting group of freshmen.
"I'm so excited to have an actual full roster and not have to work my girls to the bone," Chamberlain said. "It was blood, sweat and tears last year, and I know they're willing to give it, but I'm hoping not to have to ask them to."
The Vikings bring back Izzy Causie, who earned all-state honorable mention last year as a freshman. She joins an exciting group of veteran talent that includes senior Kate Beda, who's signed to play at Lawrence Tech next year, as well as Morgan Garcia, Liz Fox, Reese Hesse, Clare Westerlund, Ryleigh Hershey, Kassidy Parmley and keeper Kaylyn Blaske.
It's a potent combination, and Chamberlain said the players' skills complement each other well.
"Izzy will be a force to be reckoned with as she always will be," Chamberlain said. "Reese Hesse is explosive. Her speed is explosive and her accuracy is on point. I think she'll do great things for our team this year. Clare and Ryleigh Hershey always find themselves in the right spots at the right times and I think they'll put some numbers up on the board for us."
Blaske took over as keeper during last season, and due to her plentiful experience playing at the club level and the seasoning she got in net in 2025, she should be even better this year.
"I think she's fired up," Chamberlain said. "She obviously plays club in the fall and had a great season in her club season. I think she's excited to get back there. Last year, she won our team Loudspeaker Award because she's so loud back there, takes control and tells people what she needs them to do...She's got that hunger to throw herself in and show what she can do."
Not to be outdone, a strong incoming group of freshmen should make an impact too. Avery Peacock and Gwen DeRose headline the group, and Megan Badley and Morgan Parsons also come in with confidence.
One area in which Chamberlain is confident the Vikings won't be outdone is team chemistry. The Whitehall roster has largely played together for many years and, the coach says, plays for each other.
"I'm super proud of these girls, watching how they've come together during the offseason," Chamberlain said. "That was one of (assistant coach) Bethany Wise's and my goals in the offseason, to be unified, and they keep proving over and over that they are. I think that will set us apart from the competition."
The Vikes' schedule is, so far, not as full as last season; only 13 games are on the schedule, which means there are only three non-conference opponents (Grant, Fruitport and Lakewood). However, Whitehall plans to pack in a lot of soccer, including in a Friday Night Lights game against rival Montague on May 1 that will double as a youth soccer celebration.
"I've started to talk to people from the White Lake Youth Sports Club and get that organized to get some younger players out there to see what it's like under the lights," Chamberlain said.
The optimism is high, and if it's well-founded, it could be a special year in Whitehall.
"I think for us it's to continue to play competitively and play our game, even if things get difficult. I think the girls did a great job of that last year, and I hope it's not as difficult this year, with less injuries, a deeper bench and more options."
