We highlight Victoria West and East girls’ soccer teams getting ready for the 2026 seasons


VICTORIA, Texas- With the girls’ soccer season officially underway, two Victoria ISD teams to watch this year are the Victoria West Warriors and the Victoria East Titans.

 

The Warriors are coming off a strong 2023 season, finishing 19-3-1 overall and going undefeated in district play. West advanced to the second round of the playoffs before falling to Austin McCallum, 2-0.

Senior striker Sydney Simpson says last season’s playoff loss was difficult, but believes the team’s experience will help them make a deeper postseason run this year.

“I believe the experience on the field will help us,” Simpson said. “We all know what to expect, especially being in the same district as last year.”

Fellow senior Cassandra Baez echoed that confidence, emphasizing the importance of leadership and teaching underclassmen the team’s style of play.

“I believe with our experience, we can teach the others how we play quicker than other people will, which will be huge this season,” Baez said.

With a senior-led roster, the Warriors are aiming to surpass last season’s playoff performance and make a deeper run this year.

 

The Titans also had a successful season in 2023, finishing second in district with a 10-2 record and posting a 14-6-3 overall mark. Like West, East reached the second round of the playoffs before losing to Georgetown, 5-0.

Senior Addison Temple returns as one of the team’s leaders. Temple, who also plays volleyball, serves as a midfielder and enjoys her role on the defensive side of the ball.

“I like to play the defensive side more since it brings out my competitive side, which I enjoy,” Temple said.

Temple says leadership will be key this season, especially with a talented group of underclassmen stepping into larger roles.

“We have a lot of good underclassmen who take initiative when we seniors don’t step onto the field,” she said.

In goal, senior goalkeeper Lydia Traxler has been a major presence for the Titans early in the season. In their most recent match, she recorded 15 saves in a 3-2 loss to Floresville.

“Sometimes I might miss a ball, but they’re there to sweep it out,” Traxler said. “They’re a great defense, which helps me immensely.”

Sophomore Gabby Castro looks to provide an offensive spark for East and says maintaining a positive mindset is key.

“I always keep a good mindset that I want to score every game and keep the team happy as a whole,” Castro said.

Both Victoria West and East will finish tournament play before district competition begins on January 23. West will travel to San Antonio for tournament action, while East heads to Bay City.

The two teams will face off in their first district matchup on January 30 at 5:30 p.m. at Memorial Stadium.

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