Master’s Academy Girls' Soccer: A Season of Firsts, Grit, and Growth Under Coach Aaron Sutter
The 2025 winter soccer season was one for the history books at Master’s Academy, as the Varsity Girls’ team made their first-ever appearance in regionals—a remarkable achievement for a program that was only restarted five years ago. Under the leadership of Head Coach Aaron Sutter, the team turned heads and exceeded expectations, driven by experienced seniors, rising underclassmen, and a culture built on resilience, teamwork, and commitment.
Coach Sutter shared insights into the team’s journey, key players, and the bright road ahead for Master’s Academy soccer in this exclusive season recap.
Rising Stars and Steady Leaders: The Core Contributors
No successful team thrives without standout performances, and this year’s Master’s squad was no exception. The offense was led by Keira Smylie, who not only topped the charts in goals and assists but consistently sparked the team’s attack with creativity and vision. Keira’s finishing ability and playmaking instincts were instrumental in the team’s success and gave Master’s Academy a reliable scoring threat in every match.
Right alongside her was Ellamae Crooks, a dynamic player who brought both talent and tenacity to the field. Ranking among the top three in both goals and assists, Ellamae wasn’t just a statistical leader—she was the team’s emotional anchor. Her leadership extended beyond the scoreboard, setting the tone for the team’s work ethic and unity.
Versatility was another key strength, embodied by Ada Boesch, who became the ultimate utility player. “She literally played well anywhere she was needed,” said Coach Sutter. Whether defending, attacking, or holding midfield, Ada’s adaptability filled gaps and created tactical flexibility, particularly during times of injury or strategic change.
On the defensive side, Ella Lockhart anchored the back line with calmness and composure. As the team’s defensive leader, she provided structure and stability, crucial to the impressive stat that Master’s went an entire month of November without conceding a single goal.
A Historic Season: Regional Bound
In only its fifth year since being reinstated, the program made a giant leap forward. For the first time in school history, Master’s Academy advanced to the regional playoffs, a milestone that reflects both the talent and the vision that Coach Sutter has instilled in the program.
“Overall, the season went well,” said Coach Sutter, reflecting on the team’s growth and resilience. “We advanced to regionals for the first time in school history after just restarting the program five years earlier.”
That success didn’t come easily. It was earned through consistent effort, strong chemistry, and a month-long defensive lockdown. November’s shutout streak was more than just a stat—it was a signal to the rest of the league that Master’s Academy was building something real.
Facing Adversity with Heart
No championship journey is without setbacks, and Master’s faced their fair share. Toward the end of the season, the team lost several starters, a blow that could have unraveled many squads. But the remaining players rose to the challenge.
“This team always responded well,” said Coach Sutter. “We ran through a rough stretch finishing the season missing several starters for each of our postseason games, but the girls who were present stepped up and played well.”
This next-player-up mentality underscored the character of the team. Depth, preparation, and belief in one another allowed the Master’s to not just survive—but thrive—under pressure.
Senior Class Legacy: The Soul of the Team
A critical ingredient in this season’s success was the influence of the nine graduating seniors, whose impact reached every aspect of the program.
“We had 9 seniors, and they were key in every aspect of the team,” Coach Sutter said. “Two of our captains, the team’s comic relief, several key defenders—a strong senior class.”
Their contributions weren’t limited to performance on the pitch. These seniors shaped the team culture, bonded the squad through humor and leadership, and passed down the values that will live on long after their departure. Their legacy is not just one of goals and tackles—it’s about leadership, unity, and leaving the jersey better than they found it.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future
Even as the program says goodbye to its impactful seniors, the future of Master’s Academy girls’ soccer is promising. With increasing numbers and the formation of a JV program, the foundation for sustained success is being built.
“We now have a JV program to help develop players to be ready to step in when they are needed on the Varsity team,” Coach Sutter noted. “And with four starters who are freshmen or younger, the future looks bright.”
This blend of emerging talent and developmental structure bodes well for the coming seasons. The regional appearance may be the first in school history, but it certainly doesn’t look like it will be the last.
Offseason Goals: Experience Is Key
Coach Sutter’s plans for improvement are simple and strategic. With many players still gaining familiarity with the game, experience is the greatest area of focus during the offseason.
“For many of the girls, they have not played soccer for much of their lives, so gaining additional experience will be the biggest improvement,” he explained.
Through off-season training, summer leagues, and continued development via the JV system, players will gain confidence, technical skill, and tactical awareness—all vital ingredients for sustained growth.
Where to Follow the Team
For those interested in keeping up with individual and team performance, Master’s Academy Girls Soccer stats can be found on MaxPreps, with game footage and highlights also available for fans, families, and recruiters who want to see the team in action.
Final Thoughts: Building a Legacy
The 2025 season at Master’s Academy wasn’t just about making history—it was about laying the groundwork for a new era of girls’ soccer. Coach Aaron Sutter’s leadership, combined with a deeply committed group of student-athletes, has elevated the program to new heights and set a powerful example of what’s possible with vision, patience, and heart.
From shutting out opponents for an entire month to advancing to regionals with a short-handed squad, every twist of the season told the same story: resilience, unity, and belief. This year’s seniors left a legacy. The underclassmen are ready to carry it forward.
And one thing’s for sure: Master’s Academy is just getting started.
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