Pahrump Valley girls soccer team aiming high in 2026

Pahrump Valley’s girls soccer team enters the new season with enough youth to make coach Amy Carlson cautious about what comes next — and enough talent to make her excited about what could happen if that young group develops quickly.

“We have a very young team this year, but there is also an immense amount of talent within this group,” Carlson said. “As they continue to recognize their potential and commit to putting in the work, we believe they can be very competitive.”

For Carlson, the biggest question is not whether the Trojans have ability. It is how quickly a roster loaded with underclassmen can gain the experience and confidence needed to compete consistently at the varsity level.

“The talent is there,” Carlson said. “Now it’s about recognizing their potential, building confidence and maintaining the determination to never give up.”

Pahrump Valley does have an experienced group to help guide that process, with four seniors spread throughout the formation.

Paola Aguilar has emerged as a more assertive presence in the attack after what Carlson described as three relatively reserved seasons. Aguilar entered summer conditioning with a renewed sense of purpose and has achieved significant improvement.

“She has shown tremendous growth in her skills and has become a consistent presence in our attack,” Carlson said.

Sydney Crotty, meanwhile, brings versatility, having played several positions during her high school career. She has moved into an attacking midfield role this season, where Carlson said she has excelled at distributing the ball, creating chances and helping generate offense.

Goalkeeper Jazmyn Herrera gives the Trojans experience at the back. Carlson said Herrera sees the field well, understands the game and provides a steady presence behind the defense.

Michelle Villalobos, the fourth senior, anchors the defensive line and is expected to help organize the group while also helping move the ball forward.

Foundation and a future

While the seniors provide the foundation, much of Pahrump Valley’s upside could depend upon its younger players.

Carlson pointed to sophomore Avery Farrugia as one of the players whose offseason work has already begun paying dividends.

“Her dedication and work ethic are paying off not only for her individual growth but for the entire team,” Carlson said. “She will be a key player for us this season.”

Sophomore Patience Moore has also stood out during the preseason with her effort and development.

“She consistently gives 100-percent effort and has shown tremendous growth in both her skills and confidence since her freshman season,” Carlson said.

Defensively, Pahrump Valley will lean on a group that includes Cindal Monahan, Kylee Lusk, Villalobos, Lexi Pryor and Bellah Ofseur, with Raylee Smith and Moore expected to play important roles as defensive midfielders.

Carlson said communication and work rate among that group will be particularly important as the Trojans try to bring a young roster along.

Pryor is one of the newcomers Carlson believes could make an immediate impact. The freshman is making the jump from recreational soccer to the high school game but has already impressed the coaching staff with her energy and willingness to learn.

“She does a great job moving the ball up the field, brings relentless energy and consistently gives maximum effort in everything she does,” Carlson said.

That willingness to learn has been one of Carlson’s biggest positives during the preseason.

She said the players have been coachable, supportive of one another and willing to work each day — qualities that could help accelerate the development of a young team.

In game-day condition

Pahrump Valley has emphasized conditioning during preseason, but Carlson said much of the work has also centered on teaching players how to understand positioning, responsibilities and the faster pace of the varsity game.

Mistakes, she said, will inevitably be part of that process.

“We want them to know that mistakes are part of the learning process,” Carlson said. “As long as they’re giving their best effort and learning from those moments, they’re moving in the right direction.”

Carlson said the coaching staff has repeatedly emphasized that confidence will come through preparation.

“The more work they invest during training, the more confident they’ll be when game day arrives,” she said. “Our goal is for them to trust themselves, trust their teammates and continue growing together throughout the season.”

Despite the youth, Carlson is not putting a low ceiling on what the Trojans can accomplish.

The long-term goal, she said, remains the same as it would for a more experienced team: compete for a state championship.

At the same time, Carlson wants to see the players develop into more confident competitors and stronger teammates while taking pride in representing Pahrump Valley High School and the community.

“This team may be young, but they are hungry and full of potential,” Carlson said. “Some people may be counting them out because of their youth, but we see the work they’ve put in and the growth they’ve made.”

If that growth continues, Carlson believes the Trojans could develop much faster than their collective experience might suggest.

“If they continue to believe in themselves, trust the process and match their talent with consistent effort,” she said, “they have the opportunity to accomplish something special and surprise a lot of people this season.”

Contact sports reporter Bill Evans at wevans@pvtimes.com