WICHITA — It was a championship journey full of twists and turns. It all culminated with Hayden girls soccer lifting the Class 4-1A State Championship on Saturday, May 30.
The Wildcats defeated Rose Hill 1-0 to win the title for the first time since 2015. It’s the program’s fourth state championship, all of them coming under head coach Klaus Kreutzer.
For the third time in Kansas history, a team finished the year undefeated without any ties. The Wildcats’ record was finalized at 21-0-0.
“I couldn’t have imagined it,” Kreutzer said. “Going undefeated was never on my radar. It’s nothing that I ever considered. It’s pretty amazing for them. I didn’t do anything; they did all of the work.”
After a scoreless first half, Hayden’s lone goal came in the opening two minutes of the second half.
It was almost a carbon copy of the goal in Hayden’s semifinal victory over Bishop Miege. Avery Becker whipped in a cross from the right wing. The ball floated above the Rose Hill keeper.
Carsyn Broxterman was the first to meet the ball. Just like her goal against the Stags, Broxterman chested the ball into the wide open net.
The Wildcats have thrived all season in set pieces and scoring from wide possessions. When they needed a goal, Hayden went to their bread-and-butter.
“We’ve been doing it all year. We’ve been connecting. Our chemistry on the field is amazing,” Broxterman said. “Having this great team atmosphere brings all of the pieces together.”
Once Hayden took the lead, momentum completely swung in the Rockets’ favor. Hayden had to block shot after shot. The Wildcats’ stout defense was up for the challenge, thwarting any opportunity.
As the final horn blared, Hayden’s players threw their arms around each other in jubilation. It was a moment that every player has dreamed of since losing in double overtime of the state title game last season.
Throughout the year, the Wildcats have called the 2026 season their revenge tour. With the hardware, the team accomplished its mission.
Due to weather, the state championship game was moved indoors at Stryker Sports Complex in Wichita. The game also started two hours after the original kick-off time due to a penalty shootout in the previous game.
“We were not very excited about that,” Broxterman smiled. “We were ready for anything. We were not going to let this take us out at all. We came and gave it our best.”
The late start and different playing venue were unexpected, but Hayden was not going to let it ruin the chance at glory. Instead of making excuses, the Wildcats wrote themselves into the history books.
“This is a special group that has a lot of team chemistry,” Kreutzer said. “It’s been quite a ride.”
Liam Keating covers high school sports and Washburn University athletics for The Topeka Capital-Journal. Send stats or information to him at Lkeating@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Hayden soccer ends revenge tour with Class 4-1A State Championship
