Kickapoo Soccer Looks to Bounce Back After District Runner-Up Finish

Experienced Chiefs squad aims to reclaim district title in 2026 season

Mar. 12, 2026 at 10:18am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

After winning six district titles in a row from 2017-2022, Kickapoo's girls soccer team finished as the district runner-up for the second-straight season in 2025. The Chiefs will field an experienced roster this spring, led by senior captains Lily Howser and Sage Meek, as they look to regain their spot atop the district and make another deep postseason run.

Why it matters

Kickapoo has been one of the top girls soccer programs in the Ozarks region for nearly a decade, making the district finals in 9 straight seasons. The Chiefs' recent back-to-back runner-up finishes have ended their reign as district champions, and they'll be motivated to reclaim that title in 2026 with an experienced squad.

The details

Kickapoo will return 8 starters from last year's 17-8 team that fell 2-0 to Nixa in the district final. Senior midfielders Lily Howser and Sage Meek, who have extensive varsity experience, will be the team's captains and leaders. Junior Chloe Coughenour will likely play more on the defensive line, while sophomores Addyson Davis and Emma Gibson will anchor the midfield. Sophomore goalkeeper Gia Current also returns after playing a lot as a freshman. The Chiefs will need to replace the scoring production of graduated all-state forward Ellie Davison, with Meek, Davis, and junior Brookelynn Duree expected to take on bigger roles in the attack.

  • Kickapoo hosts a March 12 jamboree to open the season.
  • The Chiefs' regular season begins on March 19 with a home match against Helias Catholic.
  • Kickapoo will host the Kickapoo Shootout tournament on April 16-18, facing Jackson, Rockwood Summit, and Lee's Summit West.
  • The regular season finale is scheduled for May 14 against Springfield Catholic.

The players

Lily Howser

A senior midfielder and fourth-year varsity player who will be a team captain. Hodge describes her as having "quick feet, good touch, good understanding of the game."

Sage Meek

A senior midfielder who has scored a lot of goals in her four years on varsity. Hodge is "really looking for big things" from Meek this season.

Chloe Coughenour

A junior who will likely play more on the defensive line this season, though she can also play in the midfield. Hodge says she has "a big, strong left foot and is pretty fearless."

Addyson Davis

A sophomore who will play in the middle of the field and "do a fantastic job," according to Hodge.

Gia Current

A sophomore goalkeeper who played a lot of minutes as a freshman and will probably take on the bulk of the goalkeeping duties this spring.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We always want to give ourselves a chance at a conference championship and a district championship. We went on a streak there of six years in a row being district champions and Nixa has won it the last two years and beat us in the district final so we'd like to get back on top again. That's probably a goal more specifically our girls have.”

— Phil Hodge, Head Coach

“Ellie scored a lot of goals for us and just did a fantastic job. Sage can score, Addyson Davis can score. We'd like to see Lily Howser get into the mix and score some more goals for us. It's wide open on who wants to step up and be that one who is going to score for us.”

— Phil Hodge, Head Coach

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.