It just so happens that when the 2026 HHS Girls Soccer Team squared off against its league opponents this season, they were going up against some of the top teams in the state. So its regular season results can be a little misleading. Take, for instance, their final W-L-T record: 9-6-1 is very good. But it is very, very good when you consider that the six losses came in six games against three teams ranked among the Top 10 teams in Washington. In the latest RPI rankings from WIAA, Columbia River (15-1-0) is ranked #1, Ridgefield (12-3) is ranked #4, and Woodland (13-3) is ranked #7.

One of the challenges, says Head Coach Tony Ayala, is helping his players keep that in perspective. Ayala acknowledges that the Hawks’ rigorous schedule has posed its share of challenges, but he also credits it with accelerating the development of one of the youngest rosters in the area. The Hawks will carry 10 freshmen on their district roster, which gives the Hawks an exciting mix of veteran leadership and young talent…an ample amount of young talent.  “Our players have grown a lot this season and the tests they’ve faced have made them stronger, more complete players. I believe that the competition has made us a better team,” said Ayala.

2026 Hawks Soccer Team on Senior Night

When asked about the program’s leaders and his expectations for the post-season, Ayala said he will look for both his upperclassmen and underclassmen to continue to step up their play. Players to watch include junior Charlotte Newton and freshman Kylie Stewart on offense.

Junior Forward Charlotte Newton

Junior Imani Ayala and sophomore Kamea Humphrey will be called upon to control the midfield and set the tone on both sides of the ball. Senior goalkeeper Audrey Armstrong, who has committed to play collegiately for Montana State University - Billings, will anchor the team’s defense. “With six shutouts and an incredible 0.86 goals-against average, [Audrey] has been the backbone of our defense this season,” said Ayala.

Senior Goalkeeper Audrey Armstrong

The Hawks have secured the No. 4 seed out of league play and will open the District IV tournament against EVCO's No. 1 seed, W.F. West on Saturday, Oct. 31. W.F. West’s record?  An unbeaten 12-0-4 record. But Ayala knows his players are up to the task. After all, the Hawks have seen that caliber of play already.