This week, Excelsior Springs was slated to begin pursuing its fourth straight season of finishing .500 or better in varsity girls soccer.

The Excelsior Springs girls, who finished 12-9 in 2025, had two games slated for this week – Tuesday on the road against Mid-Buchanan and Thursday against visiting Smithville. Here’s an additional look at the Tigers, provided courtesy of answers to a questionnaire, as submitted by coach Brett McKenzie …

Assistant coaches: Caitlin Carder, Lanie Hurt, Josie Rimmer.

Number of returning letter winners: 12.

Names, years in school and positions of returning starters: Gracie Carder, junior, midfielder; Madison Lefebvre, senior, defender; Reese Ryan, junior, midfielder; Kirsten Stout, senior, midfielder; Maya Watkins, senior, defender; Madeleine Wenz, sophomore, forward; Emmalyn White, junior, midfielder.

What athletes will help lead the program? What qualities do they

possess that will make them effective leaders?

“Maya Watkins is a great motivator who leads with …