Walnut Grove midfielder Avery Lamar (17) drives the ball downfield ahead of Burleson Centennial midfielder Brayden Taylor (14) during the first half of a UIL Conference 5A Division I state semifinal soccer game at Keller ISD Athletic Complex in Keller, Texas, Friday, April 3, 2026.
Bob Booth
Special to the Star-Telegram
KELLER
Burleson Centennial girls soccer head coach Heather McMahan told players to try to enjoy the moment after the conclusion of a Class 5A Division I state semifinal Friday at Keller ISD Stadium.
With tears in her player's eyes, she acknowledged that it may be a hard thing to do. The Spartans were just eliminated, falling 2-0 to Prosper Walnut Grove. The team, however, had a lot to celebrate. Centennial made Burleson ISD’s first soccer state tournament appearance.
Burleson Centennial defender Mardie Frye (15) takes the ball away from Walnut Grove midfielder Kylee Giametta (3) during the first half of a UIL Conference 5A Division I state semifinal soccer game at Keller ISD Athletic Complex in Keller, Texas, Friday, April 3, 2026. Bob Booth Special to the Star-Telegram
“I’m proud,” McMahan said. “But [losing] is hard, no matter what. Especially because this game is so back and forth. I told them, we just proved to everybody that we deserve to be here. We know [Walnut Grove] is a good team. The way it unfolded is unfortunate, but proud is an understatement.”
Walnut Grove (23-2-1) will face Comal Smithson Valley (27-0) or College Station A&M Consolidated (19-3-3) in the Class 5A Division I state championship at 11 a.m. Friday at Birkelbach Field in Georgetown.
Prosper Walnut Grove forward Maya Nohr (16) kicks the ball in front of Burleson Centennial defender Charlie Watson (22) during the second half of a UIL Conference 5A Division I state semifinal soccer game at Keller ISD Athletic Complex in Keller, Texas, Friday, April 3, 2026. Bob Booth Special to the Star-Telegram
McMahan gave credit to her players, saying Centennial’s success this season came down to tremendous team oriented soccer, rather than having a flurry of Division I players.
“This is the tightest group I’ve ever had,” McMahan said. “They just love each other and support each other through and through. ... I don’t think a lot of people expected us to be here. That just goes to show how hard they work. They’re a gritty team. Our defense is so solid. And once we get past all the emotions, I just hope they are really, really proud of what they did.”
Burleson Centennial head coach Heather McMahan watches action against Prosper Walnut Grove during the second half of a UIL Conference 5A Division I state semifinal soccer game at Keller ISD Athletic Complex in Keller, Texas, Friday, April 3, 2026. Bob Booth Special to the Star-Telegram
Centennial played into the wind in the first half, with gusts up to 28 mph. Walnut Grove played aggressively, giving Centennial chances to counter, but the Spartans struggle to manufacture scoring opportunities, with the exception of one shot from Isabella Marquez off the cross bar.
The half ended scoreless, and Centennial played with the wind the rest of the way. That advantage, however, didn’t pay off, as Walnut Grove took a lead on a corner kick from Brynlie Ward. Hannah Boelscher was in position for a textbook header right at the goal.
The Spartans had a good opportunity for an equalizer, with Mardie Frye taking a penalty kick.
Prosper Walnut Grove keeper Finley Pike (0) makes a stop against Burleson Centennial defender Mardie Frye (15) during the second half of a UIL Conference 5A Division I state semifinal soccer game at Keller ISD Athletic Complex in Keller, Texas, Friday, April 3, 2026. Bob Booth Special to the Star-Telegram
Walnut Grove goalkeeper Finley Pike, however, kept her team on top with a save on the PK. Frye got the rebound a few feet from the goal and Pike made another save.
That sequence led directly to a goal from Walnut Grove’s Maya Nohr — it was the final score of the contest as Centennial couldn’t respond.
“I’m just so proud of them for fighting all the way through,” McMahan said.
Burleson Centennial forward Hannah Furney (18) and Walnut Grove midfielder Leah Edler (19) go up to battle for the ball during the first half of a UIL Conference 5A Division I state semifinal soccer game at Keller ISD Athletic Complex in Keller, Texas, Friday, April 3, 2026. Bob Booth Special to the Star-Telegram
Prosper Walnut Grove midfielder Brynlie Ward (9) and Burleson Centennial midfielder Brayden Taylor (14) battle for possession during the second half of a UIL Conference 5A Division I state semifinal soccer game at Keller ISD Athletic Complex in Keller, Texas, Friday, April 3, 2026. Bob Booth Special to the Star-Telegram
Prosper Walnut Grove midfielder Brynlie Ward (9) keeps the ball away from Burleson Centennial midfielder Claire Gambrell (17) during the first half of a UIL Conference 5A Division I state semifinal soccer game at Keller ISD Athletic Complex in Keller, Texas, Friday, April 3, 2026. Bob Booth Special to the Star-Telegram
Burleson Centennial defender Avery Slattery (4) kicks the ball cross the pitch away from Prosper Walnut Grove midfielder Brynlie Ward (9) during the first half of a UIL Conference 5A Division I state semifinal soccer game at Keller ISD Athletic Complex in Keller, Texas, Friday, April 3, 2026. Bob Booth Special to the Star-Telegram
Prosper Walnut Grove defender Myla Ellis (23) fights to keep the ball away from Burleson Centennial midfielder Andie Hafner (5) during the second half of a UIL Conference 5A Division I state semifinal soccer game at Keller ISD Athletic Complex in Keller, Texas, Friday, April 3, 2026. Bob Booth Special to the Star-Telegram
Burleson Centennial forward Jayde Hudson (11) brings the ball down the pitch ahead of Prosper Walnut Grove midfielder Leah Edler (19) during the second half of a UIL Conference 5A Division I state semifinal soccer game at Keller ISD Athletic Complex in Keller, Texas, Friday, April 3, 2026. Bob Booth Special to the Star-Telegram
The Prosper Walnut Grove Wildcats celebrate defeating Burleson Centennial in a UIL Conference 5A Division I state semifinal soccer game at Keller ISD Athletic Complex in Keller, Texas, Friday, April 3, 2026. Bob Booth Special to the Star-Telegram
This story was originally published April 3, 2026 at 6:12 PM.
Charles Baggarly is a high school sports editor and reporter for the Fort Worth Star Telegram. He graduated from TCU in 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and served as TCU 360’s sports editor. Connect with Charles on Twitter or via email.
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