Coach: David Wolff
The lowdown: The only thing standing in Houston’s way the past two seasons has been mighty Bearden. The Bulldogs are 46-0-1 over the past two years and have won the last two Class AAA state titles — defeating the Mustangs by the same 3-1 score in each final.
That final defeat was the only match Wolff’s team lost in 2022, finishing 18-1-1. Moreover, the coach was pleased by the effort and determination his girls showed in the final and that bodes well for 2023 as the two schools appear to be on a collision course once again.
Houston’s success last year was predicated largely on a superb defense; the Mustangs conceded only two goals all year aside from the Bearden game. McKlain Jones, Hallie McBride and Syndey Veach return along the backline where they’ll be joined by newcomer Kate Wingfield. Laila McNamee assumes the starting goalkeeper role vacated by the graduation of 2022 Daily Memphian Player of the Year Sophie Dawe.
In attack, Houston has a wealth of options including free-scoring senior Leah Freeman, Lucy Smith and Lyla Talley. Ellett Smith, who was terrific at the state tournament, is back at midfield where she’ll be joined by Kate O’Conner and a pair of top-notch newcomers, Scarlett Cowles and Kelly Behan.
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