Coming into the 2024 season, Head Girls Soccer Coach Lauren Denning knew her team had a target on their back. 

“Not just in District play, but in every game because of what we were able to accomplish in the playoffs last year,” said Coach Denning. 

Despite losing a large senior class, Coach Denning and the returning players were determined to uphold the program’s high standards. Early in the season, the team faced tough competition in tournament play, a strategic move to help prepare the Tigers for the challenges of district and playoff competition.  

Through these early tests, the team experienced growing pains but used those moments as motivation to improve their mindset and sharpen their skills. 

“Our goal was never just a District championship; it was playoff victories. So, we trained with that mindset every day,” said Coach Denning. 

The season was full of memorable moments, but one of the most defining games came on Senior Night. Facing Odessa Permian, the Tigers came out with high energy, scoring three goals in the first eight minutes. The win not only secured the District Championship but also made for an unforgettable celebration in front of their home fans. 

But the highlight of the season, and perhaps of Coach Denning’s coaching career, came in the Area playoff round against Southlake Carroll. 

“Several of the girls had played Southlake their freshman year when they beat us and went on to win the State Championship,” said Coach Denning. “We always wanted a rematch, and we got it this year.” 

In a nail-biting match that saw the Tigers execute the game plan to perfection, the winning goal came in the final 20 seconds of play. Goalkeeper Bella Medrano launched a nearly 60-yard ball into the box, and Zeta McDannels met it with a header that sealed the emotional victory. 

“I don’t think anyone has experienced a win like that. I think it will be a core memory for all of us moving forward,” said Coach Denning. 

Leadership played a key role in the team’s success. With 10 seniors on the roster—and 12 including the team manager and student trainer, Coach Denning challenged her upperclassmen to lead the way. They embraced the responsibility, guiding 11 new varsity players, organizing team dinners, and creating a sense of unity that showed in their performance on the field. 

“The seniors did a great job of making efforts to build the team on and off the field. They organized Team Dinners and opportunities to spend time with each other that greatly impacted how hard they wanted to work for each other on the field,” said Coach Denning. 

As the season wraps, Coach Denning hopes the athletes leave with more than just wins, but that they carry with them life lessons about perseverance, hard work, and pushing beyond limitations. 

“I always want my players to take the lessons they learn in soccer and apply it to their lives moving forward. I want them to remember the hard practices after a long day at school. I want them to remember struggling at the beginning of the year and having to work to get better,” said Coach Denning. “I want them to understand that they are capable of more than what other people think, but they must work to achieve that. Understanding how to push yourself (and others) past where you think you can go is such a powerful life skill that I always hope they take away.” 

Looking ahead, Coach Denning is optimistic about the program’s future. With many players returning and firsthand experience at the highest levels of Texas high school soccer, the foundation has been set for continued success. 

Reflecting on the year, Coach Denning shared what made this group of athletes special. 

“Gratitude is something that is severely lacking in the world right now, but I believe that it is contagious. The group this year grew in gratitude. They were quicker to appreciate things in each other and give each other grace during mistakes. They were grateful for their families and the things that they received. It's always amazing watching kids grow from 14 to 18 years old, but to watch them deal with adversity and be grateful for their successes was something that I will always remember,” said Coach Denning.  

Incredible work, Frenship Girls Soccer! We could not be prouder of your season.   

Photos by: FunGo Productions