—Submitted photo RETURNING LETTERWINNERS FOR THE FORT DODGE GIRLS Soccer TEAM are, front row, (left to right): Laila Grantham, Paisley Mundie, Emily Hauswirth, Evie Heldorfer and Ella Johnson. Back: Audra Sells, Reese Trimble, Addie Lentsch, Bella Lee, Abbie Hernandez and Zoey Balm. Not pictured: Maleah Landfair.

The Fort Dodge girls soccer team will return to the pitch with experience on their side this spring.

The Dodgers have 12 letterwinners returning, 11 of which will be back for at least a second season.

“It’s great to be able to have this many girls returning,” said head coach G Myers. “With all of the experience, we need to find a rotation that benefits everyone.

“Anyone can start, but they can also come right off the bench and make an impact in a different way. It’s a diverse group.”

Junior Addie Lentsch, who was a second team all-Iowa Alliance Conference pick in 2025 and led the Dodgers in scoring, will return after a strong sophomore campaign.

“Addie played travel ball and was on the wing,” Myers said. “I think that helped her recognize some things and the speed of soccer, which will help.

“I’m seeing more leadership out of her as well. She is learning to take the extra look and spread the ball.”

Lone senior Abby Hernandez also returns on the offensive side.

“Abby has been a starter for four years,” Myers said. “She is a key piece to our offense up front.”

Also returning on offense is junior Bella Lee. The sophomore trio of Laila Grantham, Paisley Mundie and Zoey Balm are back after strong rookie campaigns.

“The three (sophomores) got some key minutes last year,” Myers said. “We can put Paisley out on the wing and Laila can be at forward. Zoey is also able to play center-mid. All three are versatile.

“Bella is on the right side. I can count on one hand the number of games she has missed (in her first two years). She’s dependable.”

Sophomore Reese Trimble, a Pocahontas Area student, will make the switch from defense to offense for FDSH, hoping to open some things up in the process.

“Reese sees the field really well — especially coming from the defensive side,” Myers said. “She got to play some offense last season, so she’s coming in with a good mindset.”

Returning to the rotation defensively is junior St. Edmond student Evie Heldorfer, juniors Emily Hauswirth and Ella Johnson and sophomore Audra Sells.

“Evie played some offense and defense for us last year and will focus more on defense this season,” Myers said. “Emily is a key piece to our defense.

“Ella and Audra are solid players as well that will be on the field.”

Adding to defensive rotation will be junior Dari Ortiz-Colon, sophomore Ashlyn Duitscher, and freshman Maryah McDonald.

“We have six or seven girls that are in the rotation,” Myers said. “Any one of them can start and will get some key minutes.”

Maleah Landfair will return in the box for the Dodgers after a full varsity season as goalkeeper.

“Maleah has the experience and I can trust her back there, because she feels comfortable in the box,” Myers said. “We face some tough competition and big schools.”

Myers will be assisted by Nick Sells.

The Dodgers open the season on Thursday at home against Sioux City North. Varsity action, weather permitting, begins at 6:30 p.m.

2026 FORT DODGE GIRLS SOCCER

Roster

Seniors — Abby Hernandez, Elly Martinez, Elvia Ramos.

Juniors — Mya Morales, Evie Heldorfer, Bella Lee, Emily Hauswirth, Chelsey Ramos, Ella Johnson, Addie Lentsch, Dari Ortiz-Colon, Yamileth Gutierrez, Maleah Landfair.

Sophomores — Laila Grantham, Paisley Mundie, Zoey Balm, Brylee Breon, Reese Trimble, Ashlyn Duitscher.

Freshmen — Maryah McDonald, Yoseline Martin Diaz.

Schedule

April 2 — Sioux City North; 7 — at Des Moines Hoover; 10 — Ames; 16 — at Colfax-Mingo; 21 — at Mason City; 24 — Des Moines East; 28 — Des Moines North.

May 1 — at Marshalltown; 7 — at Des Moines Roosevelt; 12 — Des Moines Lincoln; 19 — at East Sac County; 21 — at Webster City.