Lebanon Girls Soccer Looks to Improve in 2026 Season

Coach Jacob Woolsey enters his fourth year with a veteran squad aiming to build on last year's 3-15 record.

Mar. 10, 2026 at 9:03am

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The Lebanon High School girls soccer team is gearing up for the 2026 spring season with cautious optimism. Head coach Jacob Woolsey is entering his fourth year at the helm and has a veteran squad returning, including seven starters, five seniors, and 12 lettermen. The team went 3-15 last year, but Woolsey is focused on improving the team's chemistry and defensive mindset to generate more scoring opportunities.

Why it matters

Lebanon girls soccer has struggled in recent years, going winless in conference play last season. However, with several key returning players and a focus on defense and possession, the team is hoping to be more competitive within their Central Ozarks Conference schedule and build momentum for the future.

The details

The Lady YellowJackets return five senior starters in Shayla Mejia (MF), Josie Wadley (MF), Miah Orcutt (F/D), Jaylin Keller (MF), and Zoey Durbin (MF). Keller, who was used as a goalkeeper last year, will move back to her natural midfield position. Other key returning starters include defenders Michelle Sarto and Ashlin Baum, as well as midfielder Natalie Skoufos. Freshman Kaylynn Barker will take over as the team's new goalkeeper after impressing the coaching staff with her decision-making and adaptability during the summer.

  • The team will host a preseason jamboree on March 16 at 5 p.m. featuring Marshfield, Bolivar, and Crocker.
  • Lebanon opens the regular season on March 24 with a road game at Cassville.
  • The home opener is scheduled for March 26 against Nixa.
  • The YellowJackets will close out the month of March with a road game at Joplin on the 31st.

The players

Jacob Woolsey

The Lebanon girls soccer head coach is entering his fourth season at the helm of the Lady YellowJackets program.

Jaylin Keller

A returning senior midfielder who Woolsey describes as a 'very well-rounded player who sees the field well' and will be a 'very important part of our midfield this year.'

Kaylynn Barker

The freshman goalkeeper who has impressed the coaching staff with her decision-making, ability to take feedback, and adaptation to the team's style of play.

Shayla Mejia

One of five returning senior starters for the Lady YellowJackets.

Ashlin Baum

A returning starter on defense who Woolsey says will be 'pivotal' for the team this season.

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What they’re saying

“'Jaylin sees the field very well, great leader and extremely tough. Will be a very important part of our midfield this year. She is a very well-rounded player who sees the field well.'”

— Jacob Woolsey, Head Coach (ozarkssportszone.com)

“'Ashlin and Michelle will be pivotal in our defense this year. Both work extremely hard and work very well together.'”

— Jacob Woolsey, Head Coach (ozarkssportszone.com)

“'During the summer, very quick decision-making, ability to take feedback constructively, and ability to adapt to our style of play.'”

— Jacob Woolsey, Head Coach (ozarkssportszone.com)

“'I feel like our chemistry is already better this year. The girls are really working hard. Chemistry with girls soccer is important. I would like to see us be more defensive minded, personally. I think our attacking will be a little bit better this year as far as the offensive side of the ball goes. As a coach, though, I focus more defensively and work myself forward.'”

— Jacob Woolsey, Head Coach (ozarkssportszone.com)

“'I would like to see us play more competitive as far as conference goes. I feel that if we played some of those early games later in the season, we would have done a little bit better. I would like to start that way this year.'”

— Jacob Woolsey, Head Coach (ozarkssportszone.com)

What’s next

The team will host a preseason jamboree on March 16 where Woolsey hopes to evaluate his strongest 11 players and see how the team's chemistry develops.

The takeaway

After a difficult 3-15 season, the Lebanon girls soccer team is looking to build a stronger defensive foundation and improve their competitiveness within the Central Ozarks Conference. With several experienced players returning, the team is cautiously optimistic about their chances to take a step forward in 2026.