Westminster Christian girls soccer eyes 4th straight title

New coach Julia Houser takes over a program with high expectations after 3 straight championships.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 12:07pm

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Westminster Christian girls soccer team will look to win its fourth consecutive state championship this season, despite facing some new challenges. The team, which won titles in 2023, 2024 and 2025, has a new head coach in Julia Houser after the departure of Hunter Chapman. The Wildcats return much of their offensive firepower, led by sophomore Ava Martinez, and will also rely on sophomore Annie Collier, last year's tournament MVP. However, the team must replace some key defensive starters from last season.

Why it matters

Westminster Christian has established itself as a dominant force in Alabama high school girls soccer, winning three straight state championships. The program's continued success is a point of pride for the school and local community. The transition to a new head coach will be closely watched to see if the team can maintain its championship-level performance.

The details

New head coach Julia Houser takes over a program that has compiled a 52-9-3 record and 36-2 mark against teams in the same classification over the past three seasons. Houser is tasked with replacing 12 seniors from last year's title-winning squad, including standout goalkeeper Piper Blazier. Freshman Kora Karricks will step in as the new keeper, and Houser expects her to rise to the challenge. The Wildcats return their top two scorers in sophomore Ava Martinez (22 goals) and sophomore Annie Collier (18 goals), who was the tournament MVP last season.

  • Westminster Christian won state championships in 2023, 2024 and 2025.
  • The Wildcats open the 2026 season at home against Class 7A Sparkman on February 17.

The players

Julia Houser

The new head coach of the Westminster Christian girls soccer team, taking over for the departing Hunter Chapman.

Ava Martinez

A sophomore who led Westminster Christian with 22 goals last season.

Annie Collier

The sophomore who was the tournament MVP for Westminster Christian last season after scoring 18 goals.

Kora Karricks

A freshman who will step in as the new goalkeeper for Westminster Christian this season, replacing the graduated Piper Blazier.

Calli Solan

A senior who missed her sophomore season with an injury but came up big for the Wildcats during their title run last year.

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What they’re saying

“I'm so excited to be here coaching these girls and coming into a program with its history of success on the field. What is so impressive is the culture that's been built, starting with an administration that cares so much about their student athletes.”

— Julia Houser, Head Coach

“Last year was pretty hard, having broken my collarbone in the semifinals, but I have had to push through and keep going because it's all part of God's plan. This year will be a fresh start with some new people.”

— Ava Martinez, Sophomore

“The thing I love most about this team is that we are one big, huge family. I feel like I can count on every girl on the team for anything. Coach Julia has also been so great, being like a big sister and a mom and really encouraging me as a leader for my faith in Christ, too.”

— Annie Collier, Sophomore

What’s next

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The takeaway

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