There are lots of games left to play, but early indications are positive for the Copper Hills girls soccer team. 

The Grizzlies are coming off a 14-4 season in which they placed second in a competitive Region 2. Multiple key players are back in 2024, so optimism is high around the program. And judging by how the team performed in the non-region portion of the season, Copper Hills could be a factor not only in the Region 2 race but in the state tournament, too. 

The Grizzlies started the season with a stellar 6-1 record, posting four shutouts along the way. The only loss was a 3-0 setback in the season opener. It wasn’t as though the slate of games was a breeze, either. Head coach Justin Hendrix intentionally built a challenging schedule to prepare his team for region play. 

“Last season was very successful,” Hendrix said. “This year, we are looking to build off that momentum and prove it wasn't just a one-time thing. We increased the level of competition in our preseason schedule and have some very difficult region opponents as well. But I am excited about the team and the challenges we are going to face.”

Hendrix said experience is perhaps the best strength of the team. Most of last season’s starters came back in 2024, and it has shown on the field so far. Not only are the individual players experienced, but they are accustomed to playing together. This has produced a cohesive unit and fostered a strong team culture and atmosphere. Hendrix also said the girls are eager to compete in Region 2 and advance in state. 

“The girls understand how we want them to play, and they are used to playing with one another,” Hendrix said. “I think they are hungry for success. We got a taste of it last year, and they want to keep it going.”

As far as season goals, Hendrix hasn’t talked about wins or where the team places in region or in the state tournament. Instead, he has a different philosophy on what a successful season looks like. 

“I don't really worry about wins and losses,” he said. “That's not what defines success for me. I want to see how they compete, how they handle adversity, how they respond to challenges. I love watching their confidence grow as they learn they can do hard things, as they grow closer as teammates.”

Despite how well the Grizzlies have played in the early going, the team has dealt with a rash of injuries. Copper Hills used a different lineup in every game because of these injuries. Hendrix said as many as eight players have been out of action at one time. Avoiding further injury issues will be critical if the Grizzlies hope to be a factor in Class 6A. Another facet of the game Hendrix wants the team to improve on is how well the players respond to adversity. He said this was something the girls struggled with a year ago. 

“This year, I want them to focus on how they respond after making a mistake,” he said. “Don't worry about the mistake itself; we can't get it back, it's done. I want them focused on how they respond. Instead of looking down, embarrassed or disappointed, I want them to look up the next opportunity to make a play. I want them to see their teammates, who have their back. We'll make mistakes; to be successful, we need to learn to move forward quickly and focus on the next play.”

Fortunately for Hendrix, he has plenty of talented, seasoned players to turn to. 

Several seniors lead the Grizzlies. Some proven—as well as up-and-coming—underclassmen contribute, too. Senior center backs Emmy Crowley and Val Ruiz anchor the defense. Ruiz is a team captain and was All-Region last season. Crowley was First Team All-Region and Honorable Mention All-State a year ago. Midfielder Sydney Torres is back for her senior year after making First Team All-Region and Second Team All-State in 2023. Hendrix said she is “very skilled and fast—a playmaker” and that she is “a threat anytime she has the ball at her feet.” 

The 2024 Copper Hills girls soccer team won six of its first seven games. The Grizzlies look to be strong contenders in Region 2. (Photo courtesy Justin Hendrix)

The forward position is in good shape, with sophomore Camila Palafox and senior Brenna Arauozo. Palafox made Second Team All-State and First Team All-Region last season, while Arauozo was Honorable Mention All-State and First Team All-Region. Second Team All-State goalie Aspen Fraser, a senior, is also back. 

“[Palafox] is a dynamic playmaker,” Hendrix said. “She has great vision and a high soccer IQ. [Arauozo] gives us relentless effort and is an elite finisher. She puts a lot of pressure on opposing defenses.”

Other valuable contributors include senior defenders Claire Mahew and Sayri Benavides, junior striker Josie Montejano, junior forward Anna Hendrix, senior forward Sena Bell, sophomore midfielder Jasmine Cruz, junior midfielder Aerith Gomez and senior goalkeeper Miya Begay. 

Through seven games, the 6-1 Grizzlies outscored their opponents 24-6. This included an impressive Region 2-opening 6-1 win over Salt Lake Academy. During this span, Palafox led the team with six goals. Torres had five goals, and Bell chipped in three. Anna Hendrix paced the Grizzlies with six assists through the first seven contests. 

Justin Hendrix feels good about where Copper Hills is. Though he knows the team needs to make some improvements, he loves the effort and mental toughness his girls have shown. 

“They work hard, they're hungry for success,” he said. “They've been through some tough seasons in the past and have their share of doubters. I think this group will continue to prove people wrong. I love the attitude of this team.  We have a lot of hard workers who are just willing to compete and battle for each other.”

The Grizzlies face all six region foes two times during the regular season. The final scheduled game is Oct. 3 at Riverton. The Class 6A state tournament begins Oct. 10. Hendrix is enjoying his job teaching and mentoring Copper Hills’ players. This is his second year with the team, but he has coached many of the players for several years in club ball. 

“We've been through a lot together,” he said. “They've put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into the program helping us become more competitive and respected. I really enjoy watching them grow and accomplish their goals. This is an impressive group, and I am fortunate to coach this team. Honestly, I love watching them play.”