Durango girls soccer ready for another deep playoff run

Demons return strong core from last season's quarterfinals appearance

Mar. 4, 2026 at 12:18am

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The Durango High girls soccer team is poised for another successful season after making the 4A state quarterfinals in 2025. Despite losing some key seniors, the Demons return a talented group of young players ready to defend their league title and make another deep playoff push.

Why it matters

Durango has been one of the top girls soccer programs in Colorado in recent years, making the playoffs six straight seasons. The Demons' continued success is a point of pride for the community and highlights the strength of the school's athletic department.

The details

Durango finished 14-4 overall and 10-0 in league play last season before falling in the quarterfinals. The Demons lost some key seniors like Lauren McClellan, Peyton Cioppa and Emma Hyder, but return several experienced players including senior Josie Phare, who led the team with 11 goals. Junior Ellis Campbell and Lila Scherer-Sickler also provide offensive firepower after strong sophomore campaigns. In goal, senior Ryne Neiman returns for her fourth year as the starter.

  • Durango began practice on February 23 with tryouts.
  • The Demons open their season on the road this Friday.

The players

Josie Phare

A senior who was one of the Demons' top scorers last season, leading the team with 11 goals.

Ellis Campbell

A junior who is a versatile player, contributing on both offense and defense for Durango.

Lila Scherer-Sickler

A junior who had six goals and five assists as a sophomore, including a game-winning playoff goal.

Ryne Neiman

A senior goalkeeper heading into her fourth year as the Demons' starter, committed to play at Fort Lewis College.

Zac Keeler

Durango's second-year head coach who is excited about the team's talent and chemistry heading into the new season.

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What they’re saying

“I'm extremely excited to start this season off with this group of talented young ladies.”

— Zac Keeler, Head Coach

“Lila is fantastic at one-on-one situations, offensively and defensively. She's very creative ... she's been working on her creativity, distribution and also taking on players on her own. She puts her opponent on their heels and makes them look silly .... If anyone wants to see some future stars, both Ellis and Lila are definitely driven to become the next best players in Durango High School.”

— Zac Keeler, Head Coach

“She is going to be the heart of this team. Players count on her to have a huge performance every game. Last season, she didn't get to touch the ball much with how solid our defense was. If the ball somehow makes it through our back line, she will be there to stop it ... she's also been working on her distribution this summer.”

— Zac Keeler, Head Coach

What’s next

The Demons will open their season on the road this Friday as they look to defend their league title and make another deep playoff run.

The takeaway

Durango's girls soccer program has established itself as one of the best in Colorado, with six straight winning seasons and a quarterfinals appearance last year. Despite some key losses, the Demons return a talented core ready to continue the team's tradition of excellence.