The Big Lake girls soccer team is expecting to do well in 2025 after competing well in 2024.

“Last season was definitely a good season,” says second-year Head Coach Alissa Busch. “It was a learning curve, stepping into a more responsible role.”

The Hornets will be a mix of younger and older athletes, with quite a few returning varsity players.

“We lost some seniors and we’ll miss them dearly,” says Coach Busch. “But we have lots of returning players and a lot of talent. We’re very optimistic.”

Some of the players to watch this season are seniors Adeline Hitter and Paige Erickson, and ninth-grader Kynlie Fournier, who emerged as a good playmaker and scoring threat last season.

Other players who will likely make an impact are midfielders Emerson Ruhland and Hadley Priest, and Laci Eastey and eighth-grader Rylie Barker on defense. Lily Reinoso is also back as the team’s goalkeeper.

“We have a lot of girls with good technical skill who are quick on and off the ball - and aggressive,” says Coach Busch. “I feel the drive to win is greater this year. The girls are more confident in themselves, and have more focus and higher intensity.”

The Hornets opened the season with a 3-1 win over Sauk Rapids last week. They had games scheduled against Albany, Mound Westonka and Hutchinson over the past week, results next week. They host Chisago Lakes Tuesday and Zimmerman Thursday at 7 p.m.