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Clinton Today
By the People, for the People
New Albany captures first state soccer title
Head coach Austin Baker led the Bulldogs to a dominant championship season.
Mar. 29, 2026 at 1:04am
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A fractured, cubist depiction of the triumphant New Albany High School boys soccer team capturing their first state championship after years of heartbreak.Clinton TodayAfter back-to-back losses in the state championship game, the New Albany High School boys soccer team and head coach Austin Baker finally broke through this year, capturing the program's first-ever state title. The Bulldogs were dominant from start to finish, losing just one game all season and not allowing a single goal in the playoffs while scoring 35 goals in five postseason matches.
Why it matters
New Albany had been a strong program in recent years, but the championship game losses in the previous two seasons had left the team and coach Baker determined to write a different ending this year. The state title represents a major milestone for the school and community.
The details
New Albany's only loss of the season came against Class 7A opponent Clinton, but the Bulldogs tied the 7A state champion 0-0 and beat other large-school programs. In the playoffs, New Albany's defense was stifling, not allowing a single goal, while the offense erupted for 35 goals in five matches. Coach Baker credited his players' relentless competitiveness and strong team chemistry for the title-winning season.
- New Albany lost in the state championship game in the previous two seasons.
- This year, the Bulldogs captured their first-ever state title in boys soccer.
The players
Austin Baker
The head coach of the New Albany High School boys soccer team, who led the Bulldogs to their first state championship.
Grayson Alexander
A New Albany player who scored 35 goals this season and was impacted by the memory of former teammate Max Sheffield, who passed away in 2022.
Max Sheffield
A former New Albany soccer player who passed away in 2022 and had an impact on the current team, especially player Grayson Alexander.
What they’re saying
“It challenged me as a coach because I never want to be complacent. I didn't want the players to be content. We had beaten some good teams, played some really good teams. Our only loss was to Clinton. We tied the 7A state champion 0-0, which that was kind of hanging on for dear life but the kids fought for it. We beat some other 7A programs, and we beat the 6A champs 2-0.”
— Austin Baker, Head Coach, New Albany High School
“It stung the first time, I think it stung more than it did the second time. But our players, every year, it'd give them a sense of focus and determination. … It gave them an edge to send them and keep working and keep pushing and strive forward to be the best they could possibly be.”
— Austin Baker, Head Coach, New Albany High School
“They're relentless competitors, and they weren't going to take anything less than their own best. They really reached a level of play this year that exceeded my own expectations, but that's due to their determination, their commitment, their love for one another. They were so connected in everything that they did. It was really just a joy to watch.”
— Austin Baker, Head Coach, New Albany High School
“(Sheffield's) special to us, and that helped transform many of these young men's lives. Grayson Alexander is a different human and player because of Max Sheffield, and several of these guys are, especially Grayson because Grayson was really close to him.”
— Austin Baker, Head Coach, New Albany High School
The takeaway
New Albany's first-ever state championship in boys soccer represents a major milestone for the program and community, coming after heartbreaking losses in the previous two title games. The Bulldogs' dominant run this season, fueled by their relentless competitiveness and strong team chemistry, was further inspired by the memory of former player Max Sheffield, who passed away in 2022.
