The Inola High School girls soccer team continues its historic run toward a state title this week. This season marks the most wins in team history.
It was a fairly relaxing practice for the Lady Longhorns on Monday, allowing them to loosen up sore muscles and prepare mentally for the upcoming game.
“It's insane, it feels like we're living in a dream, but it's reality,” coach Lacey Coltrane said.
She said reaching the semi-finals was a historic feat and was made possible by a team that believed in themselves.
“They are finally reaching their full potential.”
According to Coltrane, this is the first time their team has advanced to the semifinals.
Regardless of whether this team takes home a state title or not, they are still breaking down barriers and are the only public school team remaining in this 3A tournament.
They have to score to get to the top, but they also have to stop.
“Maybe it's just like you're always afraid of making a mistake because of the pressure, because a mistake means a goal,” goalkeeper Hannah Tillotson said.
She's good at keeping the ball out of the net, and her teammates appreciate that.
“You can't win games without defense, especially my senior, she's our goalie and she's done a great job this year saving us,” senior Dakota Russell said. To tell.
This was one of Russell's last practices ever, and he says the team has grown together.
“We’ve always had a solid team and I’m really excited to watch them grow from their freshman year to their senior year,” she says.
Coach Coltrane has seen the growth, too, and while this historic season doesn't seem real, she's enjoying every moment of it.
“I don't even know how to describe it. I'm so proud of all of them and it feels like I'm living in a fantasy world,” Coltrane said.