Lake Oconee Academy’s girls soccer team ended its season on May 7 in the third round of the state playoffs.
The Lady Titans fell 3-2 on the road at Screven County after earning home-field advantage as the higher seed through the earlier rounds. Unfortunately, their season ended with a 9-10 overall record.
LOA head coach Carina Baxley described the game as a tough match “physically and emotionally.” She said that her players fought until the very end, after trailing at halftime.
“It was truly a match that could have gone either way, and I think the challenges of traveling such a long distance for an away game played a role in the outcome,” Baxley said. “What made me most proud was our response in the second half. After being down 3-0 at halftime, the girls continued to fight, compete, and play with heart until the final whistle.”
Baxley stated that she was very happy with the season overall and believes the players continued to grow as teammates and athletes. She noted that bringing Steven Langer to the coaching staff was a major addition to the team, as he helped “create a fantastic team culture.”
“They were a fun, hardworking group that bought into the process and learned how to play beautifully together,” Baxley said. “The connections they built on and off the field were a major factor in our success, and watching them develop into a true team was one of the most rewarding parts of the season.”
As the team progressed throughout the season, Baxley said that seniors Ansleigh Padgett and Marley Dellinger took central roles as team leaders.
“[Both of them] had a tremendous impact throughout the season and into the playoffs, and their commitment, leadership, and work ethic set the tone for the entire program,” Baxley said. “They consistently led by example and helped establish a new standard for what it means to be a Lady Titan soccer player.”
Baxley said that this season the Lady Titans’ strongest area of growth was their ability to “play as a unit.” She believes they improved their communication as the weeks went by.
“As the season progressed, their communication, trust, and ability to connect on the field improved tremendously,” Baxley said. “Individually, players became more confident in their roles, and collectively learned how to support one another and adapt to challenges during matches.”
Overall, Baxley believes that her players gained several important lessons during the Spring 2026 season. She especially hopes they learned the importance of commitment, resilience, and teamwork, as they relied on each other throughout the season.
“This group showed that success comes from trusting one another, putting the team first, and continuing to work hard even when things don’t go your way,” Baxley said. “If they carry those lessons forward, along with the standard of leadership and dedication set by our seniors, they will be well-positioned for continued success next season.”