Olathe East soccer team wins school’s third state title

CHRIS CUMMINS | SPECIAL TO THE STAR

Olathe East’s Skylar Baker was mobbed by her teammates after scoring in the first half of the state 6A semifinal match against Goddard. The Hawks scored five goals after halftime to win 6-0.

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The Olathe East girls soccer program has reached these heights before under coach Terry Hair, but the Hawks have gained plenty of perspective on how perilous a championship trek can be.

Last season, the team went undefeated before losing in the state championship game. But this year, nothing could stop the celebration.

Olathe East capped a 19-1-1 season with a 3-2 victory, over Maize in the 6A state finals Saturday, winning the program’s third state title, its first since 2004.

“I think everyone appreciates how fragile winning can be, and how much luck plays a part into the acquiring of a state title or a league championship or any of those accolades,” Hair said.

Luck is a factor, sure, but also talent. Plenty of talent.

Olathe East reloaded after losing several standouts from last season. Claire Nicholson and Kaitlyn Atkins filled the stat sheet. Nicholson scored a team-high 18 goals, while Atkins finished with 15 goals and 13 assists. And Darci Miller supplied six goals and six assists.

Katie O’Keefe returned to quarterback a stifling defense that also featured Vickie Behnen, Jenna Stones and Taylor Svec, playing in front of first-year starting goalkeeper Becca Skillman.

Hair said he had a clue this team was special after it defeated a talented Blue Valley West squad 9-2 in the season opener. The girls would prove him right over the rest of the season, as well.

And for the third time in program history, the Hawks are state champions. A familiar feat, but always a uniquely special feeling.

“Each team is special, and each team has its own personalities,” Hair said. “You need to enjoy the moment that you’re playing through and respect all the time and effort that was invested.”

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