Harker Heights High School Girls Soccer Season Preview

Key Contributors: Senior Leadership Powers the Team The 2024–25 season was historic for the Harker Heights Girls Soccer team, thanks in large part to an outstanding group of senior leaders: Yumari Hernandez (Goalkeeper): A record-setting season with 13 shutouts, Hernandez also broke two school records for most saves in a game (31) and saves in a season (267). Her dominance between the posts gave the Knights confidence and stability throughout the campaign. Elizabeth Leffers: A steady force on the back line, Leffers not only anchored the defense but also mentored a young group of defenders into varsity-level competitors. Kaylee Humble: The team's top goal scorer, Humble controlled the midfield and served as a leader through both her play and deep understanding of the game. Isabella Fujikawa & Kasi Yonkey: These utility players brought an unmatched work ethic, playing wherever they were needed and setting the tone for the team with their effort and versatility. A Record-Setting Season The Knights ended the season with a 12-6-2 record, the best in program history. Along the way, they: Broke four school records Qualified for the playoffs for the first time since 2022 Won their first playoff game since 2004 This remarkable success came after early-season struggles, as the team found its rhythm and identity late in the year. Their perseverance and unity proved doubters wrong and earned the respect of the broader soccer community. “The potential has been exposed,” said Head Coach Aaron Jimenez, “now it’s about utilizing it.” Turning Point: Confidence in the Second Leg The second round of district play marked a turning point. Coach Jimenez and his staff settled on a formation and starting 11 that clicked, unlocking the team’s full potential. The girls responded with elevated confidence and performance across the board. Breakout Performances and Player Development Several players saw major growth during the season: Isabella Fujikawa, despite being relatively new to the sport, became a strong leader and one of the team’s most improved players. Makayla Otto, a freshman, started the season on JV but emerged as a defensive standout at the varsity level during district play, thanks in part to mentorship from Leffers. Resilience Through Adversity The team faced its fair share of challenges but showed exceptional resilience. Whether dealing with tough losses or adversity, the group always regrouped and grew stronger together. “They were so resilient,” said Coach Jimenez. “Losses hurt, but they used every one to learn and get better.” Senior Class Legacy This year’s seniors brought a variety of leadership styles that made the team successful, from tactical minds to emotional motivators. One standout was Gabriella Servan, described as the team’s “program light,” whose presence lifted teammates and fueled the team’s positive culture. Looking Ahead: A Promising Future With the seniors moving on, younger players now have an opportunity to step into leadership roles and shape the team’s next chapter. Coach Jimenez is excited to see this evolution unfold. Offseason Focus: Bridging the Athletic Gap The focus this offseason is on strength and speed training to narrow the athletic gap between Harker Heights and other top-tier programs. With tactical understanding already in place, this next phase could push the program to even greater heights. Where to Find Stats All individual and team statistics can be found on MaxPreps.