The varsity boys soccer team has advanced to the state championship for the past four years in a row. They’ve played Maize South the past two years and finished as 5A runners-up. But this year, the Timberwolves defeated Maize South 7-0 and finished with an undefeated record of 21-0. Senior forward Crew Alvarez said he had a lot of confidence in the team and their ability to play soccer.

“In the end, it’s just a huge accomplishment and it’s very relieving,” Alvarez said. “I’m really glad we went undefeated.”

Alvarez broke the school record for most goals in a season, with 39 total goals, after breaking the same record last year.

“Breaking the record was a huge accomplishment,” Alvarez said. “Given the fact I broke it last year, breaking it again just built my confidence up and put me in a good position for college.”

Alvarez also broke the school record for most career goals. The team finished the year ranked second in the nation, after beating Rockhurst High School earlier this season. Senior outside back Preston Hammon said this was a season highlight because Rockhurst was ranked first in the nation at the time and had been undefeated since 2022.

“I feel like [that game] had the most build-up,” Hammon said. “The team was really good, but we came out with the win.”

During the state championship game on Nov. 9, the team finished the first half 4-0 and scored another three goals in the second half, despite the pressure from being ranked nationally and being undefeated.

“I would say there was a little bit of pressure with being second in the nation, and having everyone think you’re always good,” Hammon said. “But I didn’t really get too nervous, so personally, I was fine.”

Varsity coach Erik Jones said he is proud of how the season turned out. He said he’ll miss the seniors and wishes the best for their future.

“This team is filled with a lot of guys that have good integrity that work hard,” Jones said. “I think that they want to do well for the program and leave their legacy and that was important.”

Jones said the team’s focus played a big part in winning the state final. Hammon said the team hangs out outside of school, and said that had an effect on the team’s chemistry with bringing them closer together.

“I hope to continue the success we’ve had, and continue building the program,” Jones said. “We want to do things the right way and continue to represent Southwest in the best way we can.”