Four in a Row: Michigan High School Wins Another Girls’ Soccer State Title

Calvin Christian High in Grandville, Mich., finished the season 22-3.

The girls’ soccer team at Calvin Christian High School in Grandville, Mich., won its fourth consecutive state Division IV championship last month.

The Squires captured the championship by defeating Lansing Christian High School in the title game to finish the season with a 22-3 record. The four consecutive state titles are the second-most in state history, trailing only Unity Christian High School of nearby Hudsonville, which won six straight titles from 2005-10.

Seven players on this year’s team have been part of all four state titles. Four players—Hilary Curry, Morgan Buursma, Allison Keizer, and Emily Van Vliet—were first team All-State selections. Curry scored four goals in the state semifinals and both of Calvin Christian’s goals in the championship game.

“Our seniors were great teammates who helped the team navigate the highs and lows any season presents,” Calvin Christian head coach Tim TerHaar said. TerHaar says his team never lost its focus due to the leadership of its more experienced players.

“Sometimes the attention that success brings can make it easy to lose sight of what an experience is really all about, but this team was focused on enjoying the moment and counting it a blessing to get to play with an outstanding group of people,” said TerHaar, a member of Fuller Avenue Christian Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, Mich.