Girls soccer is off to a fresh start, with a new group of girls contributing to the team for this season.

Head coach Emma Hinson is in her third year coaching the program, which has had much success in the past two years, including a district championship and area-round playoff victory in her first season.

But the team lost of a number of key contributors from last year's squad, including alumna such as Mattie Hannah, Tori Koncaba, Macy Griswold and Katie Pittner, and are prepared to work through the struggles of replacing a majority of their goal scoring and experience.

The Lady Bears have seen growth in their first two games, with the team rebounding from a tough opening loss to Live Oak Classical (Waco) to draw even with Veritas Academy, 1-1, on Dec. 12. The team will return to the field at home on Jan. 10 for the first district match of the season with Brook Hill School.

The experienced soccer players for the Lady Bears have plenty to look forward to.

Senior Charis McGaughy said she is looking forward to playing with her sister, freshman Addie McGaughy, for her last soccer season, along with making new memories with her team.

Senior Mia Roberston, who also shares the field with a sister (junior Ally Robertson) has been encouraged by the team's cohesion and chemistry.

“Soccer can be really tiring and hard, but I always know that my teammates will be patient with me and with each other, and that they will understand that mistakes are a part of any sport," Mia Robertson said.

With many of the players being new this year, the goal is for the love they share for each other and the sport to help bridge the gap while the skills catch up.

“I think our biggest strength is the relationship and togetherness of our team and their willingness to work hard," Charis McGaughy said. "Even though there are so many new faces this year, they were all gladly welcomed.”

Looking to the future, the Lady Bears have moved up to TAPPS 5A in district this year, a tough challenge in terms of the quality of competition. Still, there's a plan in place.

"We plan to be aggressive no matter the opponent," Mia Robertson said.

Overall, the Lady Bears will aim to compete at a high level and play a style of soccer that they are proud of by season's end.