This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2015, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Kaysville • The prediction was that 2015 was the year that the string of painful exits in the postseason would end. After earning one of the best statewide win-loss ratios for the past decade, the Davis girls' soccer team was to capture the crown this season, finally overcoming its three semifinal hiccups and the heartbreaking double-overtime loss in the Class 5A state championship in 2009.
The prophecy, as it played out, was one year late. The Darts hoisted the trophy last season, defeating Lone Peak, 2-1, in the title game.
"My mentality going in was: Let's see how far we can go, maybe we can do some damage," Davis coach Souli Phongsavath explained. "It just so happened we were able to pull it off, which is great, but we have always thought this group of girls that are seniors this year, I think we started four or five of them as freshmen, that they were going to be favored to win."
A consensus runaway favorite it more like it. Davis (1-0) entered the season ranked No. 25 nationally behind nine college-bound players: Ireland Dunn (Utah), Haylee Cacciacarne (Utah), Mikayla Colohan (BYU), Olivia Wade (BYU), Mia Stoddard (Weber State), Regyn Youngberg (Weber State), Madi Carter (Weber State), Jamie Alvarez (Southern Utah) and Ally Olcutt (not committed, but with offers).
But with expectation comes pressure. Davis likely will repeat this season, but achieving the back-to-back accomplishment isn't that straightforward.
"We definitely want to win all of our games," said Dunn, the reigning All-Tribune MVP, "but we still have to work so hard to accomplish all of that."
Alta is the most recent program in the 5A classification to win it all in consecutive years, claiming four straight titles from 2006 to 09, and and undefeated season hasn't been accomplished since Brighton completed its 2010 campaign unscathed.
"Potential is a dangerous word. Sometimes it means talent not yet reached," Phongsavath said. "We don't want to have a lot of potential on this team. We want to fulfill that potential and take care of business. That pressure, in itself, is the challenge."
How does a group of high school athletes escape the stresses of its own accolades? Phongsavath understands that when the topic of soccer becomes overwhelming — that the diversity of conversation is limited to the sport — then the quality of performance eventually suffers.
So Phongsavath implemented "Fun Fridays." The tradition, which he established nine years ago, is more important than ever this year. The team-bonding activities are mandatory substitutions for training, ranging from synchronized swimming — where players organize their own routines — to spending a whole week producing group music videos, which later are shown to the entire team. The Darts battle in paint wars, with each graduating class assigned a specific color of destruction. They have thrift shop fashion shows, selecting outfits with $5 to spend. Last week, the players donned '80s gear for an hourlong Zumba workout. Each activity is designed to bring the team closer by removing players from their autopilot schedules.
"I think they are probably one of the most important things we do. They're almost just as important as training. It lets the girls let their hair down a little bit and just have fun," Phongsavath said. "Not every team is going to win a state championship, but after I talk to these girls that come back, or at their weddings, that's what they remember. That's what's important to us, is making memories for these girls that they'll have for a long time."
Fun Fridays are beneficial for the coaching staff, too. They allow them to forget about wins and losses, even if for a moment, and provide opportunities to see players cast in a different light, away from competition. Phongsavath remembers the success on the field, but watching his players grow is even more gratifying.
"I saw on Facebook, they have these [photos] that pop up, and they had our team when we were U-13 and we won Sparta Cup," Phongsavath said. "I looked at all those girls, and seven of them are seniors this year. To see these girls accomplish so much on and off the field, and to become who they are — to be a small part of that was very, very rewarding."
Twitter: @trevorphibbs —
5A girls' soccer breakdown
• Davis (1-0) is ranked No. 25 nationally
• Nine Darts are college-bound, with eight already committed
• Brighton is the most recent Class 5A program to complete a season unscathed, in 2010
• Alta is the most recent Class 5A program to repeat as champions, winning four straight titles from 2006 to 09 —
Girls' soccer at a glance
Class 5A • The Darts are clearly the favorites to repeat, but Lone Peak, Viewmont, Bingham, Alta and Fremont plan to make the path difficult.
Class 4A • Look for the usual contenders to soar once again. Timpanogos, Woods Cross, Skyline, Timpview, Wasatch and Salem Hills will be tough.
Class 3A • Region 9 has dominated this classification recently, including three teams that reached the semifinals last year. Logan and Juan Diego should be the steepest competition.
Class 2A • Defending champion Rowland Hall appears to be the front-runner again this season.