After a season that showed both promise and areas for growth, the McIntosh Boys’ Varsity Soccer Team is entering the 2026 season focused on improvement and consistency. With returning upperclassmen and experienced varsity players, the team is looking to build on lessons from last year while establishing a stronger identity on the field.
Friday Feb. 6, marks the start of a new chapter as the team opens its season following months of offseason training and preparation. Practices and tryouts emphasized discipline, evaluation and building chemistry among new and returning players.
Head coach, Bunky Colvin said preparation began with an extended tryout process and early competition against a strong opponent.
We have a lot of new players, so tryouts lasted a full week,” Colvin said. “We started with about 60 players and narrowed it down to 18 on varsity. We spent that time learning the players’ strengths and weaknesses and figuring out where they could contribute best. Then we played a really strong team in our scrimmage, and that helped us see where we need to improve and where we’re strong.”
Last season provided valuable experience for returning players. Senior Rune Anderson, who has been on varsity for three years, reflected on how previous seasons have shaped his mindset heading into this year.
“So since I’ve been on varsity for three years, we had a lot of drive on the team and a lot of good leaders, and we had a really successful season,” Anderson said. “So coming into this season, I think we’re gonna try to go in with a chip on our shoulder and hopefully play better, try to not get too confident and just win game by game.”
Colvin said last year’s outcome has also influenced the team’s mindset.
“After you win a state championship, sometimes you forget how hard it is to win,” Colvin said. “Coming up short last year made this group hungrier. They’re working harder, they’re more focused, and they have the goal of trying to get back and win it.”
With a roster made up largely of experienced players, depth and chemistry will play a significant role in the team’s performance. Maintaining strong communication and defensive organization will be key factors as they face competitive regional opponents.
Sophomore William Sturgis is already looking ahead to one of the season’s most anticipated matchups.
“I’m excited to see how we do because I know it’s a good team, and I think we can win our games and make it to state or regionals, and then maybe win state,” Sturgis said.
As the season progresses, the team will aim to translate preparation into results. With an emphasis on focus, discipline and consistency, the goal remains clear: compete at a high level and position themselves for postseason play.
The team’s next match is today, at 6 p.m. at McIntosh. Tickets can be purchased on GoFan.
