Highlands had heart.
It was that heart that carried the Bluebirds to the KHSAA girls soccer state championship at Lexington SC Stadium, though they ultimately fell 3-0 to back-to-back champions Sacred Heart.
The Bluebirds’ season got off to a rough start, with just three wins in their first 12 games. Yet the team’s determination propelled them to a 15-10-2 record, a district and region title, and a stunning first-round upset over the No. 1 ranked team in the state, Boyle County. That resilience carried them all the way to the state final, where they faced one of the state’s top defenses.
Sacred Heart quickly took control. Emma Zutterman scored just six minutes into the game, giving the Valkyries an early lead. Highlands found themselves in familiar territory.
“It definitely hurts when you get scored on that quickly,” Highlands head coach Kelsey Etherton said. “But our girls kept their heads high because we’ve been in that situation before. Boyle County scored early in the first four minutes, and we turned around and scored two minutes later. I don’t feel like we gave up—we played the entire game knowing we still had a chance.”
Despite controlling possession at times, Highlands struggled to break through a Valkyrie defense that had allowed just 0.4 goals per game all season going into the game. Sacred Heart goalkeeper Amira Hendrick, along with defensive standout Soren Wilson and a disciplined back line, made it difficult for Highlands to find any openings.
“We have one of the best in goalkeeper Amira Hendrick and who I feel is the best defensive player in the state in Soren Wilson,” Valkryie head coach Shaun Francis said. “With them and the back line, that’s the reason why we’ve only conceded ten goals this season.”
Just before halftime, Mia Lancaster scored into an empty net, giving Sacred Heart a 2-0 lead. The goal came after Bailee Class, Highlands’ sophomore goalkeeper and who Etherton calls “the best goalkeeper in the state,” had made a key save but not long after was caught in a difficult situation.
“I said it at the beginning of the year, and I said it in the last game—she’s the best goalkeeper in the state,” Etherton said. “She was put in a tough situation. It was either stay on her line and hope she could make the save, or come out. I stand by her decision to come out. It’s unfortunate that Sacred Heart was able to get around her.”
Highlands continued to fight in the second half, creating opportunities and pressuring Sacred Heart’s defense, but the Valkyries’ composure held. Mia Lancaster added an insurance goal in the 75th minute to seal a 3-0 victory.
The Bluebirds have now reached six state championship games, finishing as runners-up four times.
Even in defeat, Highlands’ journey to the final wasn’t easy, but set up the run to be even more special. Etherton emphasized the resilience and heart her team displayed throughout the season.
“Our girls faced a really tough schedule and a lot of adversity early on,” she said. “They kept their heads high, worked hard, and showed heart. I told them multiple times that the team with the most heart is the one that’s going to win. They have more heart than a lot of people, and that’s what got us here. Losing today hurts, but making it to the state finals is something most people can’t say.”
Etherton, who played for Highlands from 2011-2013, said coaching this group has been a special experience.
“We weren’t quite as strong when I was in high school. We had good players but never won a regional championship. To be able to coach in this setting is surreal. I feel very fortunate to have a big group of assistant coaches and a great group of girls who worked hard and listened. To be here at all is amazing.”
Highlands will graduate nine seniors, including All-Tournament team members Reese Wilkens and Macy Hargis, but they’ll return standout underclassmen such as leading scorer freshman Ally Lickert and goalkeeper Bailee Class, another member of the All-Tournament team.
More photos below, provided by Charles Bolton:
