A Season of Goals and Growth: Coach Bryan Hantak Reflects on a Powerful Year for St. Thomas Aquinas Girls' Soccer
In his first year at the helm of the St. Thomas Aquinas High School Girls’ Soccer Team, Coach Bryan Hantak led his squad through a transformative season—one defined by unity, resilience, and thrilling achievements. While they narrowly missed a state title, the Lady Raiders built something perhaps even more lasting: a true family, a program-wide culture shift, and a team with its sights set firmly on the future.
From the very beginning, Coach Hantak had a clear vision for the 2025 season—four simple but ambitious goals: Become a family, avoid drama, score 100 goals, and win a state title. In his own words, “We were able to accomplish the first three and almost the fourth.” Though a state championship eluded them after a hard-fought match against Bartram, the experience only served to sharpen their determination.
Team Effort from Top to Bottom
One of the most striking characteristics of this year's team was their depth and balance. “Every player contributed to this season,” said Coach Hantak. Of the 25 athletes on the roster, 21 scored at least one goal—a staggering statistic that speaks to the team’s offensive versatility. Just as impressively, the defense remained rock-solid no matter who took the field.
This team-first mentality was not just a tactical advantage—it was a cultural cornerstone. Whether starters or substitutes, every player knew their role mattered. That kind of environment doesn’t develop by accident. It was cultivated through off-season workouts, lifting sessions, and voluntary group practices that, in Coach Hantak’s words, helped the girls “begin to become family.”
Season Highlights and Defining Moments
The 2025 season was packed with unforgettable moments. Coach Hantak points to Alexa’s goal in the state semifinal and Sophie’s goal against Cypress as two of the biggest highlights. There was also Emma’s scoring brilliance, and goalkeepers Cam and Aimee earning crucial shutouts that kept the Lady Raiders in contention throughout the season.
But perhaps the biggest turning point wasn’t a goal or a save—it was the off-season.
“I honestly believe the difference maker was the off-season,” said Coach Hantak. “We lifted weights and the girls found ways to work out together. That’s where the team really began to bond.”
That cohesion showed on the field. Whether they were navigating ECNL conflicts, managing injuries, or pushing through high-pressure playoff moments, this team stayed composed. “Whoever's turn it was to step up, they did so,” Coach Hantak reflected. “It was just a great group that took care of each other.”
Fresh Faces, Major Impact
While the entire team improved, two players stood out for their development: freshmen Cam Smith and Brooklyn. “They grew the most,” said Coach Hantak. Their emergence added depth and balance to an already strong squad, showing that the program is not only thriving in the present—but also well-prepared for the future.
A Senior Class That Set the Standard
The 2025 senior class may not have had the storybook ending of a state title, but their contribution to the program was immeasurable. Under a new coach and a new culture, they bought in completely.
“The senior class was great,” Coach Hantak emphasized. “They did a great job of helping us get back on the soccer map. It’s never easy when a new coach comes in, but they helped make us the family that we have become.”
They provided the foundation for what’s quickly becoming a program on the rise—redefining what it means to wear the St. Thomas Aquinas jersey.
Building for the Future
Looking ahead, the Lady Raiders have every reason to be excited. Almost the entire roster will return next season—including the entire backline, all but one midfielder, all forwards, and a standout goalkeeper.
“The girls had a taste of the State Final and they want more,” said Coach Hantak. “We are only losing one player next year. We hope to continue growing as a team and as a family to get back to the final.”
With continuity, chemistry, and hunger on their side, the team is poised for an even deeper playoff run in 2026.
Offseason Focus: Strength and Unity
The focus this offseason? More than just drills and formations—Coach Hantak is emphasizing growth in every sense of the word.
“We’re looking to get stronger in the weight room and on and off the field,” he said. The goals mirror the ones they began with last year: improvement, togetherness, and laying the groundwork for another unforgettable season.
Tracking the Team’s Progress
For fans and followers eager to keep up with the Lady Raiders, season stats and match updates can be found on MaxPreps. It’s where you’ll see just how far this team has come—and how far they’re ready to go.
More Than a Season
At the end of the day, this season wasn’t just about wins, goals, or stats—it was about transformation. Under Coach Bryan Hantak, St. Thomas Aquinas Girls' Soccer redefined itself. They didn’t just play as a team—they became a family.
That sense of unity showed in every match, every substitution, every celebration. It was in the defensive grit, the scoring depth, and the moments of brilliance from players across all grades.
“We were able to accomplish the first three of our goals,” said Coach Hantak, with the confidence of a coach who knows the fourth—winning state—is well within reach.
And if the journey continues the way it started, don’t be surprised if next year’s season ends not just with family and goals—but with a championship trophy, too.
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