WEBSTER CITY GIRLS SOCCER RETURNING LETTERWINNERS are left to right: Ashley Nydegger, Janey Putney, Mia Hansen, Sandra Fuentes-Cruz, Jayme Perez, Heidi Mendoza and Lovie Pruismann. (DFJ photo by Britt Kudla)

The Webster City girls soccer team lost over half their starters from a year ago, but a balanced rotation will help fill the gap in 2025.

The Lynx graduated seven starting seniors from last spring from a squad that won seven matches on the pitch. The cupboard is far from bare for WCHS head coach Kristine Mason, though.

Returning for the Lynx are seniors Mia Hansen and Emerson Paukert, along with juniors Janey Putney, Jayme Perez, Ashlee Nydegger, Heidi Mendoza and Julia Griep. Sophomores Sandra Fuentes Cruz, Megan VanDeer and Lovie Pruismann are also back.

“This group (of returning athletes) was consistently among our starting lineup and showed so much commitment to our sport — not only in season, but in the offseason,” said Mason. “These girls, along with many of our other returners and freshmen, have been putting in the work this winter. I’m very excited to see how that translates to our season.

“Leadership by example.”

Four of the top five goal scorers are back, led by Perez (eight). Fuentes-Cruz and Putney tallied five goals each in 2024, while Mia Hansen contributed four.

“Our strong returners and overall team culture — as well as if all the girls buy in — will be key for us,” Mason said. “I think we will see a lot of cohesion on the field, and our offseason fitness and technical work will come to life.”

The Lynx will have to replace leading scorer Jillian Symens, who found the back of the net 24 times. Also gone is goalkeeper Joleah Stuhr, who had a 70.4 save percentage.

“We lost seven starting seniors, so our returners have some big shoes to fill,” Mason said. “We are missing our key goal scorer, (2024 WCHS grad) Jill Symens, so we need to see more of our leaders step up into that attacking role with the confidence to shoot.

“We’re a bit timid in 50/50 situations. We will be working on receiving balls out of the air to help build confidence.”

Early on. Mason has witnessed a squad that is willing to work hard and for each other.

“I am thrilled at the level of enthusiasm I’m seeing from the squad,” Mason said. “Our participation numbers in offseason training were tremendous. It’s a great sign for the level of commitment they have to this team.”

Mason anticipates the rise of several players who are taking on increased roles and responsibilities this spring.

“I expect Julia Griep and Megan VanDeer to have significant contributions to our lineup,” Mason said. “They both have good speed on the flanks, smart defensive tactics, and have been consistent in their offseason efforts.

“Junior Naomi Ortiz is new to the roster this year and has some really creative technical footwork. Her comfort on the ball should keep opponents on their toes.”

Junior Kate Feltz will be the new goalie.

“Kate is a first time goalkeeper and coming off a wrestling season with great fitness. She has no fear of diving, so we’re excited to see her contributions in the back line,” Mason said. “We have a solid group of freshmen participating in offseason training and I’m very excited to see how they add to our depth.”

Webster City will open the season on Tuesday when they travel to Boone for a 5:30 p.m. kickoff. The home opener for the Lynx is April 11 against Garner-Hayfield/Ventura.

2025 WEBSTER CITY GIRLS SOCCER

Roster

Seniors — Emerson Paukert, Mia Hansen.

Juniors — Ashlee Nydegger, Avril Villanueva-Borjas, Heidi Mendoza, Janey Putney, Julia Griep, Kate Feltz, Naomi Ortiz, Jayme Perez, Zna Brito, Abby Peterson.

Sophomores — Elena De Leon Raymundo, Lovie Pruismann, Megan Van Deer, Sam Camarillo Sosa, Sandra Fuentes Cruz.

Freshmen — Fina Johnson, Jessica Utrera Zaragoza, Denni Rodriguez, Kenzie Vasquez, Nancy Nerida, Valerie Nunez-Garcia.

Schedule

April 1 — at Boone; 3 — at Clear Lake; 11 — Garner-Hayfield Ventura; 14 — at Belmond-Klemme; 17 — Iowa Falls-Alden; 21 — at Humboldt; 25 — at Greene County; 28 — Clear Lake.

May 1 — at Garner-Hayfield Ventura; 5 — Hampton-Dumont-CAL; 8 — Belmond-Klemme; 12 — at Iowa Falls-Alden; 15 — Humboldt; 20 — at Fort Dodge.