DeForest girls soccer enters postseason after 10-win season

DeForest finished the girls soccer regular season 10–6–2 and prepared for the WIAA tournament after a schedule of close games.

But as the postseason begins, DeForest believe these experiences have prepared them for the start of the state tournament.

DeForest finished its regular season with a 10-6-2 overall record, including a 3-3-1 mark in the Badger-Large Conference, good for fifth place.

After knocking off seventh-ranked Sauk Prairie on Friday, May 8, DeForest dropped its next three games, losing 4-0 to Oregon, 1-0 to third-ranked McFarland and 2-1 to Milton.

However, DeForest closed regular-season play on a high note, securing a 3-0 shutout victory over Stoughton to get to double-digit wins this year.

Regular-season recap

Now entering the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) Division 2 state tournament, DeForest is looking to build off last year’s historic season in which they fell just one game shy of a state berth. It was the deepest postseason run in program history.

“(Heading into the season), we were going to be a young team, and that definitely showed at times throughout the season,” DeForest coach Josh Howard said.

Despite entering this year with substantial unknowns, Coach Howard liked how his team continued to develop throughout the spring months, with substantial underclassmen forging into expanded roles and gaining valuable experience.

Violet Colwin, a freshman midfielder/forward, has been one to circle. While she didn’t start at the beginning of the season, she’s blossomed into a key role for DeForest offensively.

“She’s one girl that came in and hasn’t looked back. She’s had a great season,” Howard said.

In addition, DeForest expect to welcome back key pieces in its rotation after suffering injuries earlier this year, including: freshman midfielder/forward Hailey Estness and senior goalkeeper Alice Viklund.

DeForest expect to get back senior goalkeeper Alice Viklund for its postseason run.

Defensively, DeForest's backline went from three seniors and a freshman in 2025 to three sophomores and a freshman in 2026. Still, its stubborn defense has allowed just 17 goals all season. Doing the math, that’s less than one goal per game. DeForest is anchored defensively by sophomore defender Alyssa Annen.

But with regular-season play at a close, each and every team will enter the postseason with a clean slate, looking to make it to the Uihlein Soccer Park in Milwaukee.

For the battle-tested Norskies, DeForest believes their strength of schedule this year has them well-positioned to make a postseason splash.

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