The 2026 season ranks among the greatest in Schoolcraft girls soccer history, as the Eagles captured the program’s first Regional Championship and advanced to the MHSAA Division 3 State Semifinals.
Schoolcraft finished 14-3-3 overall, posting a 77.5% winning percentage. The Eagles went 2-1-1 in SAC play to place fifth in the conference. They were unbeaten at home with a 7-0-3 record, while finishing 5-2 on the road and 2-1 at neutral sites.
The Eagles combined a potent offense with a strong defense, scoring 95 goals and allowing only 18.
Their postseason run opened with an 8-0 win over Hanover-Horton in the pre-district round. Schoolcraft then defeated Calhoun Christian 9-1 in the District Championship to claim the program’s first postseason title.
In the Regional Semifinal, the Eagles rolled past Manchester 7-1 to advance to a Regional Championship matchup with Plymouth Christian Academy.
The title match remained scoreless until the 17th minute of the second half, when Rowan Talcot scored past the PCA goalkeeper for a 1-0 lead. The goal stood as the game-winner, delivering Schoolcraft’s first Regional Championship and a berth in the Division 3 State Semifinals.
The Eagles next faced Shrine Catholic, which entered the semifinal with a 10-9-3 record.
Shrine built a 2-0 lead before Talcot sparked a comeback, scoring once to cut the deficit and again just 30 seconds later to tie the match at 2-2.
The Knights answered quickly, reclaiming a 3-2 lead before adding another goal with seven minutes left in the first half to take a 4-2 advantage into halftime.
In the second half, Izzy Howard converted a penalty kick to pull the Eagles within one. Despite a strong effort, Schoolcraft could not find the equalizer and fell 4-3, ending a remarkable season.
Shrine Catholic advanced to the Division 3 State Championship, where it lost 2-0 to Harbor Springs.
The Eagles earned numerous individual and team honors. Schoolcraft was named an All-Academic Team, and Violet Hollister received Individual All-Academic honors.
All-District selections were Kira Jirkins, Izzy Howard, Emma Ledlow, Alyda Leep, Alexis Walther, Lexi Blodgett, Addison Sziede, Violet Hollister, Ruby Low, Rowan Talcot, Makenna Thompson, Lauren Lillywhite, and Kathryn Earles.
Head Coach Scott Thompson was named the 2026 District Coach of the Year.
The future remains bright for the Eagles. They’ll lose just two seniors, Addison Sziede and Violet Hollister, from this historic team. With a talented core returning, Schoolcraft is well positioned to build on the most successful season in program history.
