THE WOODLANDS - When The Woodlands Christian Academy decided to add boys soccer as sport it started as a gradual build over a few years.
Each year they would add a grade level. And then another. And then another until they reached a year where they could finally field a varsity soccer team. That season finally came.
Recommended Videos
Now, the Warriors boys soccer team - which has no seniors on the roster - is making the most of their first-ever varsity season - by making history every step of the way, including winning a district title and making the playoffs.
"I'm just over the moon and super happy for the boys and what they are doing," TWCA boys coach Luke Williams said. "And just how they've exceeded their expectations this year. Our goal was to compete in district, we didn't realize we were going to win district or that we were going to score 86 goals and win 13 games."
On Friday, the TWCA boys soccer team had a chance to etch their write their names even more into the record books by winning their first ever playoff match.
A pair of first-half goals, including one from Kyle Jasek and stellar goalie play late helped seal a 2-1 victory over Highlands Chinquapin at Warrior Field.
"We knew it was going to be a tough game today," Williams said. "Going into a second-round playoff game and playing against a team that's already won, they did really well."
VYPE VIDEO: @twcasports head soccer coach @ashwills1988 addresses his team after the program’s first ever playoff win. @twcasoccer is on to the Regional Round. #VYPECampus | @TAPPSsoccer @CoachTField @randyhollas @sebasbryng @butaud_stratton @Mr_Lastrap @sherlockjones31 pic.twitter.com/ljXilJnT9j
— VYPE Houston (@vypehouston) February 8, 2020
Heading into the season, Williams knew the group had talent - including talents such as captains Stratton Butaud, Forrest Remy and Jasek - but they would just have to grit through some of the early struggles.
Getting through that they have jelled as a team, including getting together on some mornings to watch English Premiere League matches to continue their bonding. Since then they have taken off and are one win from the State Semifinals.
"It's kind of crazy and exciting as well," Williams said. "We'll go into every game as an underdog but we will prepare the same way we've done. Then we'll let the guys play."
The Warriors now move on to the Regional Round of the TAPPS Division III Playoffs, where they will face the winner of San Marcos Academy-Lutheran North at Blinn Junior College.