Ursuline Seeks Soccer Three-Peat

Ready for the challenge, Bears have the depth and balance in quest for 31st TAPPS title

When you collect a remarkable 30 TAPPS state soccer championships, as Ursuline has, it doesn’t happen by accident.

The Bears have the highest of expectations, a level of commitment from players to the program and the system, and a mindset that keeping the tradition alive isn’t a hope, but a mandate.

That belief is fueling Ursuline this season as it looks to extend its current title streak to three at the TAPPS 6A state tournament on March 5-6 in Round Rock.

“Defending state championships is what’s done here,” said Ursuline head coach Darrin Hedges. “We’re one of the high-point games for just about everyone on our schedule. We have to be ready. We’re going to get their best game.”

The Bears will be favored to repeat again with a roster that includes returning striker Audrey Bryant, a University of Texas commit who tallied a hat trick in a 4-0 win over rival Bishop Lynch in last year’s championship game.

“There’s a little bit of pressure with those expectations, but I feel that we thrive with that,” said senior midfielder Laila Nieto. “We build each other up and hold each other accountable.”

Since TAPPS starts the soccer season in November, more than a month before public schools in Texas, it overlaps with the end of the club season for some players, causing some annual schedule conflicts.

Hedges estimates that the Bears only played with a full roster in two of their first 12 games this season. At least twice they played — and won — without a regular goalkeeper, forcing a position player into the net.

Still, Hedges credits the team’s marquee players for their dedication to the school team, often accommodating position changes, sacrificing personal statistics, or shuffling formations to help their teammates.

“Everyone prioritizes high school [soccer] as much as they can,” said senior defender Ellie Teachout. “It’s a very competitive program. Not only is it fun and you’re playing with your friends, but you have a real chance at winning.”

Aside from the strong senior class, Ursuline has several top college pledges among its underclassmen, including Mimi Flanagan (Tennessee), Makenzie Majors (TCU), and Ryan Fogel (Hawaii).

Ursuline has gotten off to another strong start this season, including at the National Elite Prep Showcase in Southlake in early January, when the Bears shut out defending UIL 6A state champion Prosper. They hope that experience will pay dividends during the upcoming playoffs.

“We’re always having to adjust. The beginning of the season can be a little difficult,” Nieto said. “Now we know our strengths and we can push to the limit.”