After finishing 2024 with a 14-9 record, the Oakville Tigers girls soccer program could be a force to be reckoned with this spring.

Head coach Sarah Guenther said this is the most veteran-laden team she has coached at Oakville.

“We have a strong core, including eight seniors, returning,” Guenther said. “In total, we have 14 returning players.”

Sophomore Ashley Forbes will look to avoid the dreaded sophomore slump after a stellar freshman season where she netted 17 goals, seven of which were game-winning goals. She also added three assists. In total, Frobes had 37 points in her first season with the Tigers. 

Guenther is expecting even more from the sensational sophomore this season. She said most players really mature between freshman and sophomore year, and Forbes seems to have an even better grasp on the game at the varsity level.

“Ashley looks stronger, taller and more confident,” Guenther said. “She knows what to expect now, and that makes a huge difference.”

Along with Forbes, senior Alivia Schnur returns after posting 16 points last season.

Kylee and Aubree Pikul each return as well. Aubree, a sophomore, finished last season with 16 points, while Kylee, a junior, had 13. 

Junior Avery Nixon also returns following a 15 point season. 

With so many returning team members from last season, Guenther only has to worry about minor roster adjustments as most players are already familiar with each other. Because of this, the team is hitting the ground running.

 “This is the first year I don’t have any freshmen on my varsity roster,”Guenther said. “It’s not because we didn’t have talented freshmen, but rather because we already had a solid lineup in place, and I wanted younger players to get more playing time at the JV level.”

The Tigers only lost two starters from last season – one being their goalkeeper – allowing for a smooth transition into the new season.

With a vacancy in goal, CeeCee Columbo – who started three games in goal last year, finishing 2-1 on the season – is vying for the starting job, along with Katie Tomiser. Tomiser played in one varsity contest last season after being sidelined due to injury.

“The competition for the starting role will be determined based on early performances,” Guenther said. 

With a veteran-led roster, full of young, though experienced and talented players, this spring could be a big one for Oakville. One of the only things that could potentially derail the Tigers’ season is the injury bug, which has already reared its ugly head early on in practice. So far, Oakville has had to deal with four injuries. If the team can limit the injuries, as well as opponents scoring, 2025 will be a big year for the Tigers. 

Oakville will look to make it three in a row at the Union-Washington Tournament this year. After winning back-to-back tournament titles, this will be the final season Oakville plays in the tournament. 

Along with typical local competition, the Tigers will also play a number of games against schools outside of St. Louis. Oakville started its season March 24 against the Columbia Eagles, falling 0-4.

“It’s fun to play teams where you don’t already know the players from club soccer,” Guenther said. “It gives us a fresh challenge.”