Geneva School of Boerne capped its best boys soccer season ever by playing at the TAPPS DIII state tournament in Round Rock last week. It was their first time playing at the state tournament.
The Eagles were eliminated by the British International School of Houston on March 5 in the state semifinals, 3-1, but the only team that beat them in the playoffs was the team that eventually won it all after British International edged Hill Country Christian High School – Austin in the finals, 3-2.
Not only was this the team’s first time at state, but it also marked their first appearance in the regional finals. First-year head coach Joel Murphy changed up a few things within the program and said the players bought in.
“The team this year embraced an entirely new philosophy and style of play. We asked them to learn a new system which focused on playing patient, possession- based soccer. Knowing the result would be a game that was fun to play and enjoyable to watch,” he said.
Coach Murphy also had help from his son, former Greyhound standout Landon Murphy, who helped lead Boerne High to the 2021 and 2022 4A state titles. Landon was named 4A state tourney MVP in 2021.
After graduating from BHS, Landon played at Hardin Simmons and then went abroad to play at UDA Soccer UK Chester. Landon helped his dad this year as his assistant, and Joel said his son made a big difference.
“(Landon) brings not only a deep knowledge of the game but experience that is priceless,” Coach Murphy said. “He was able to reach the team on multiple levels, teaching and demonstrating the game. The team responded to his leadership and enjoyed new success.”
The Eagles finished the year at 13-6-2 and won the district title with an 8-0 record after outscoring district opponents, 45-0. After a first-round bye, Geneva defeated Brazos Christian School – Bryan, 2-0, and then beat New Braunfels Christian Academy in the regional finals, 3-1, before falling to the eventual state champs in the state semis, 3-1.
At the state tourney, Geneva’s lone goal was scored by Colton Sehlke, who made the all-tournament team, along with teammate Braden Davis.
The future looks bright for the Eagles because 16 of the 20 players on the roster are eligible to return next year. The four seniors they’ll graduate are Noah Lee, Samuel Tapia, Teagan Fikes and Casey Britton.
Braden Davis, Colton Sehlke, Caleb Sehlke, Matthew Martinez, Parker Eiland and Walter Teague are juniors, Christopher Siller is a sophomore, while Beau Chalmers, Lucas Lozada, Wesson Cloud, Tyler Nichols, Quinn Malkowski, Cole Davis, Aiden Hatfield, Carter Weignad and Myron Barrow are freshman.
Varsity Girls
The Geneva girls also played at the state tourney and finished second to earn silver medals. (See the March 8 Boerne Star for story.)
Seniors on the girls team this year Trinity Cloud, Harper Deimund, Caroline Pickle, Mary Simpson, Siena Svendsen and Emrey Taylor.
Juniors are Zoe Briggs, Amelia Carmines, Peylin Dennis, Megan Egli, Hope Lorenz, Catalina Lozada, Bella McClure, Sydney Schaefer, Kendall Sehlke, Landry Smith and Adelina Vela.
Molly Donovan, Anne Halinski, Anabelle Larey and Perri Mishreky are sophomores, while freshman were Huntley Allen, Angelina Dacy, Peyton Eiland, Carolyn Lutz and Ruby Svendsen.
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