After back-to-back trips to the state championship match, the Lake Oconee Academy girls soccer team enters the 2026 season with unfinished business — and plenty of motivation.
The Lady Titans fell just short of a state title the past two years. Still, rather than lingering on the disappointment, head coach Carina Baxley thinks the experience has only sharpened her team’s focus throughout the offseason.
“I think, if anything, it’s motivated them to be back there,” Baxley said. “They know they’re capable, they know that’s the dream, and they’re putting the work in now to get there.”
LOA returns a roster that blends proven leadership with emerging young talent, a combination Baxley believes can again put the Lady Titans among the state’s elite.
Senior Marley Dellinger is expected to be a key leader this season, while junior goalkeeper Addison Kelley anchors the defense.
Beyond the veterans, Baxley is eager to see several underclassmen step into larger roles.
Sophomore Addi Everett has already made an impression defensively, while fellow sophomore Grace Kalmanowicz has shown the ability to contribute meaningful minutes and make an impact as the season progresses.
“I’m really excited to see our younger players step up into those leadership roles,” Baxley said.
“They’re ready for the opportunity.”
As the Lady Titans look ahead, expectations remain high — especially within a region where LOA has consistently been at or near the top.
With that success comes pressure, but Baxley is confident her team understands what it takes to stay there.
“We should definitely be competitive this year,” she said. “We have no reason not to think we’re going to be at the head of it, but we have to earn it first.”
That mindset will be tested by a schedule that challenges LOA early and often.
Baxley intentionally sought out tough competition, believing it would better prepare her squad for the postseason run they expect to make.
“It’s expected to be a fun season — a fast season,” she said. “We have some tough competition on purpose, and we’re excited to bring it on the field every game.”
Now in her second year as head coach, Baxley says the foundation of the program’s success goes beyond tactics and talent. The team's culture has become a defining strength, fueling the Lady Titans’ consistency and resilience.
“I think the positive team culture is what drives them to be successful for each other, for themselves, and for the coaches,” Baxley said. “As coaches, we just want to give back that same energy to them.”
With experience, hunger, and a championship standard already in place, Lake Oconee Academy enters the season ready to chase another deep playoff run — and determined to finish the job this time around.
The Lady Titans dropped the opening two matches of the season to Morgan County and Westminster Christian of Augusta, but hope to earn their first win of 2026 on Feb. 24 at home against John Milledge Academy.