Regardless of the makeup of the girls soccer team, aspirations are always lofty for the Alta Hawks.

Alta is coming off a 9-9 campaign in which they were 6-6 in Region 6, finishing fifth in the seven-team region. Alta blanked West Jordan 6-0 in a first-round playoff game and then fell to Clearfield in round 2 by the count of 6-1. 

The Hawks entered 2024 with a youthful roster, having lost some players from last season’s squad. Head coach Mackenzie Hyer has worked inexperienced players into the varsity lineup. The season started off slowly for Alta to the tune of a 1-5 start (0-2 in region). Still, Hyer’s hopes remain high. 

“We are a young team with lots of new players getting varsity minutes, but we are scoring goals and working the issues out,” Hyer said. “I expect us to be competing for a championship run.”

To achieve this Hyer said the players need to put forth the necessary effort and be good teammates. 

“Players need to be willing to work hard and support their teammates throughout the entire season,” she said. “We start quick, but it goes fast.”

Despite the lack of wins to start the year, Hyer isn’t panicking. She said the players are progressing and working hard to overcome their setbacks. She is encouraged about the improvements she has seen and points out that the Hawks have been competitive even in defeat. 

“We were in every game [in our nonregion games],” she said. “I am super impressed with the team’s willingness to learn from their mistakes. They have an amazing growth mindset. We have gotten better every game, and I feel great about the path we are on.”

Three of Alta’s losses were by a single goal, with the other two coming by two goals. Alta’s win during its first six games was a 3-0 shutout of Logan on Aug. 15. Through six contests, junior midfielder India Pahnke led the team in scoring with three goals. Senior midfielder Lilly Brimley paced the Hawks in assists at this point with three. Three other players had three goals. 

One of the factors in Alta’s early season losses has been the injury bug. This has required Hyer to shuffle the lineup and plug players in different spots on the field. However, the Hawks’ players have been flexible and willing to do whatever the coaches are asking. 

“We have a bunch of early season injuries, but we are willing to adjust, play the position needed and work together to have the team get better,” Hyer said.

Hyer appreciates how well the girls play together and how well they get along. Her job is also much easier knowing that the girls listen well and work hard to implement the things Hyer and her staff teach them.

“The girls love each other,” she said. “Our team goal is to have unity—to be a family on and off the field. They are also so coachable and willing to take feedback and work on growing and improving.”

Alta will face every region foe twice. The regular season concludes with a home game against Highland on Oct. 1. The Class 5A state tournament follows, with first-round games set for Oct. 10. λ