Prince of Peace Christian Soccer Finishes Season with Pride and Promise
2025 Winter Season Recap Series
At Prince of Peace Christian School, the 2025 girls’ soccer season was more than just a collection of games—it was a story of growth, grit, and resilience. Head Coach Meesh Hooten and her squad showed what happens when dedication, chemistry, and heart intersect on and off the field. From early challenges to postseason breakthroughs, the Lady Eagles not only impressed—they laid the foundation for a bright future.
Key Contributors: Talent That Set the Tone
This year’s success was driven by a group of standout players who anchored the team on every line of the field. Leading the charge was Claire Pritchett, who commanded the midfield while also emerging as the team’s top goal scorer. Her ability to both control play and finish opportunities gave the Eagles a dynamic edge throughout the season.
In the backline, Presley Owens was a crucial force, using her speed and tenacity to thwart opponents’ attacks. Mary Craddock Shull, operating as the holding midfielder, and Frances Irwin, the center back and lone senior, provided the grit and stability that every successful defense needs. And in goal, Jillian McKay brought a dependable presence, offering reassurance and making key saves all season long.
A Season of Growth and Grit
Reflecting on the season, Coach Hooten was overwhelmingly positive. “The season went really well for us,” she shared. “We had individuals improve all season, as well as our team improving overall.”
One of the most defining moments came in the area playoff match against defending state champions McKinney Christian Academy (MCA). While the Eagles had suffered a heavy 8-0 preseason loss to MCA, they shocked everyone—including themselves—by nearly pulling off a major upset in the rematch, falling just short in a 2-1 thriller.
“That was the highlight of our season,” said Coach Hooten. “We only had 12 players and were missing two starting defenders and a starting center mid. Every player stepped up. I was so proud.”
That game didn’t just showcase how far the team had come—it embodied the spirit and fight that defined their season.
Player Development: Stepping Into the Spotlight
A hallmark of the 2025 campaign was how many players elevated their games over the course of the season. Among them was Mary Craddock Shull, who found her stride in the demanding holding midfielder role, showing poise and maturity.
Sydney Baker also emerged later in the season, delivering valuable attacking opportunities and pushing the tempo up front. Perhaps one of the most selfless acts came from Alyssa Buchanan, the team’s starting forward. In a crucial playoff moment, she transitioned to outside back—a position she hadn’t played all year—and thrived.
“It’s moments like that which show the character of this team,” Coach Hooten said. “Everyone was willing to do whatever it took for the team.”
Chemistry and Character: The Keys to Resilience
Adversity is an inevitable part of any sports season, and Prince of Peace faced their share of challenges. But what set this team apart was how they responded.
“These girls had great chemistry off the field,” Hooten explained. “I believe that helped them bounce back very well from adversity on the field.”
Whether it was overcoming tough losses or adjusting to missing players, the team’s tight-knit bond gave them the mental toughness to push through. That unity wasn’t manufactured—it was natural, built on trust, respect, and shared purpose.
Leadership in Action: A Senior Who Set the Standard
Though the roster was young, it was anchored by one incredibly impactful senior: Frances Irwin. As a captain and center back, Irwin embodied what it meant to lead by example. A hard worker, reliable, and respected, she provided the guidance her teammates needed during critical stretches of the season.
“Frances is exactly what you want in a leader,” Coach Hooten said. “She will be missed.”
Her legacy won’t just be measured in minutes or clearances, but in the standard she set for the underclassmen who now aim to carry the torch.
A Bright Future: Young Talent on the Rise
The 2025 season was a success in its own right, but it also served as a launchpad for the future. With only one graduating senior and a strong core of returning players, the team is poised for even greater success in the coming years.
And it’s not just the returning players who give Coach Hooten reason for optimism.
“I am super excited about the next year coming up for the program,” she said. “We have a very strong 8th-grade class joining us as freshmen next year. Several of them will step into starting roles and make an immediate impact.” I'm excited to have my daughter, Steele Hooten, join the varsity team this year. She will make a great impact in the midfield for us and has a tremendous attacking presence.
In a program that values development, these rising stars will have the opportunity—and the culture—to grow and lead.
What Comes Next: Building Strength and Skills
While there’s plenty to celebrate, Coach Hooten is already looking ahead. The offseason focus will be on continuing the technical development of the squad and increasing their fitness and game intelligence.
“We’ll look to sharpen our overall team play, positioning, and finishing,” she noted. “With the kind of effort and commitment these girls show, I have no doubt we’ll be ready.”
Final Thoughts: A Season to Remember, A Legacy to Build
The 2025 girls’ soccer season at Prince of Peace Christian was more than just wins and losses. It was about growth, adaptability, and resilience—qualities that reflect the best of high school athletics.
From breakout players like Claire Pritchett and Presley Owens to rising leaders like Mary Craddock Shull and Alyssa Buchanan, and with the guiding influence of senior Frances Irwin, the Lady Eagles made a statement: they’re here to compete—and to grow.
Coach Meesh Hooten’s leadership, combined with a united team culture and a pipeline of young talent, means the program is not only thriving but ascending.
Stay tuned. The story of Prince of Peace Christian soccer is just getting started.
. While the Eagles had suffered a heavy 8-0 preseason loss to MCA, they shocked everyone—including themselves—by nearly pulling off a major upset in the rematch, falling just short in a 2-1 thriller.
“That was the highlight of our season,” said Coach Hooten. “We only had 12 players and were missing two starting defenders and a starting center mid. Every player stepped up. I was so proud.”
That game didn’t just showcase how far the team had come—it embodied the spirit and fight that defined their season.
Player Development: Stepping Into the Spotlight
A hallmark of the 2025 campaign was how many players elevated their games over the course of the season. Among them was Mary Craddock Shull, who found her stride in the demanding holding midfielder role, showing poise and maturity.
Sydney Baker also emerged later in the season, delivering valuable attacking opportunities and pushing the tempo up front. Perhaps one of the most selfless acts came from Alyssa Buchanan, the team’s starting forward. In a crucial playoff moment, she transitioned to outside back—a position she hadn’t played all year—and thrived.
“It’s moments like that which show the character of this team,” Coach Hooten said. “Everyone was willing to do whatever it took for the team.”
Chemistry and Character: The Keys to Resilience
Adversity is an inevitable part of any sports season, and Prince of Peace faced their share of challenges. But what set this team apart was how they responded.
“These girls had great chemistry off the field,” Hooten explained. “I believe that helped them bounce back very well from adversity on the field.”
Whether it was overcoming tough losses or adjusting to missing players, the team’s tight-knit bond gave them the mental toughness to push through. That unity wasn’t manufactured—it was natural, built on trust, respect, and shared purpose.
Leadership in Action: A Senior Who Set the Standard
Though the roster was young, it was anchored by one incredibly impactful senior: Frances Irwin. As a captain and center back, Irwin embodied what it meant to lead by example. A hard worker, reliable, and respected, she provided the guidance her teammates needed during critical stretches of the season.
“Frances is exactly what you want in a leader,” Coach Hooten said. “She will be missed.”
Her legacy won’t just be measured in minutes or clearances, but in the standard she set for the underclassmen who now aim to carry the torch.
A Bright Future: Young Talent on the Rise
The 2025 season was a success in its own right, but it also served as a launchpad for the future. With only one graduating senior and a strong core of returning players, the team is poised for even greater success in the coming years.
And it’s not just the returning players who give Coach Hooten reason for optimism.
“I am super excited about the next year coming up for the program,” she said. “We have a very strong 8th-grade class joining us as freshmen next year. Several of them will step into starting roles and make an immediate impact.” I'm excited to have my daughter, Steele Hooten, join the varsity team this year. She will make a great impact in the midfield for us and has a tremendous attacking presence.
In a program that values development, these rising stars will have the opportunity—and the culture—to grow and lead.
What Comes Next: Building Strength and Skills
While there’s plenty to celebrate, Coach Hooten is already looking ahead. The offseason focus will be on continuing the technical development of the squad and increasing their fitness and game intelligence.
“We’ll look to sharpen our overall team play, positioning, and finishing,” she noted. “With the kind of effort and commitment these girls show, I have no doubt we’ll be ready.”
Final Thoughts: A Season to Remember, A Legacy to Build
The 2025 girls’ soccer season at Prince of Peace Christian was more than just wins and losses. It was about growth, adaptability, and resilience—qualities that reflect the best of high school athletics.
From breakout players like Claire Pritchett and Presley Owens to rising leaders like Mary Craddock Shull and Alyssa Buchanan, and with the guiding influence of senior Frances Irwin, the Lady Eagles made a statement: they’re here to compete—and to grow.
Coach Meesh Hooten’s leadership, combined with a united team culture and a pipeline of young talent, means the program is not only thriving but ascending.
Stay tuned. The story of Prince of Peace Christian soccer is just getting started.)
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