Yelm High School’s girls soccer program capped off its 2024 season at home on Tuesday, Oct. 29, and celebrated nine program seniors prior to the team’s South Puget Sound League matchup against the Curtis Vikings, which resulted in a 5-0 loss for the Tornados.
The nine seniors honored prior to the contest included Siena Venuto, Mariah Arnestad, Sage Rough, Adrionna Gaines, Alexa Wasankari, Salma Diaz, Savannah Walker, Haylee Sivils, Holly Dorhauer.
“It’s a big group for soccer. To have that many seniors in one class is not something we always have. The best part of it, especially this year, this group really led. They showed up every day, worked hard every day, and played every game until the last whistle. Win or loss,” Yelm’s head coach Jay Dorhauer told the Nisqually Valley News.
“They left a good legacy and example for the younger girls on what they need to do to succeed, especially in this new conference.”
Dorhauer, whose daughter, Holly, was celebrated on senior night, said this group of athletes was a special group to coach. He said, no matter what the seniors decide to do going forward, they’re great kids and will do well in life.
“What’s special about this class for me is all of these girls were friends growing up. I’ve watched them grow up from kindergarten until now. It makes it a little more special,” Dorhauer said. “It’s a little harder seeing this class go, but I’m happy for them all.”
The coach said he experienced many emotions pre-game as his daughter was celebrated for her efforts and contributions to the team during the senior night ceremony.
“I started all of this when [Holly] was in kindergarten. I was a stay-at-home dad and was lucky that the job opened up right when she was getting in kindergarten. I just loved the game and was so excited to get the job,” Dorhauer said. “When Holly started getting into soccer, I coached her rec league team for a while before she got into club. Just watching her grow up and seeing how much she loves the game, knowing that chapter is over was kind of sad. It’s a little bittersweet, but she’s going on to play in college.”
Dorhauer said, when reflecting on this year’s group of seniors and the contributions they made, he’ll always remember the team’s resiliency during the 2-2 tie at South Kitsap High School. Trailing late in the game, Yelm tied the contest to keep its playoff hopes alive, creating a memorable moment for the program.
“We were still in the playoff hunt then. We had two subs, and one of them got hurt. We just had to rely on those seniors,” Dorhauer said. “They stayed with it the whole time, and we got a tie out of the game. It was a big tie for us at the time.”
He’ll also remember the team’s four non-league victories prior to South Puget Sound League action beginning. The Tornados racked up early victories over Mount Tahoma, 8-0, Shelton, 3-0, Adna, 4-2, and Black Hills 4-0, in September.
“It was nice to see. We hadn’t had those kind of results in the last few years,” Dorhauer said.
Overall, the Yelm girls soccer team concluded its season with a 5-7-1 record, 1-7-1 SPSL.
