Photo by Precision Sports Entertainment
The 2014-15 MaxPreps Tour of Champions made a stop in Gilbert, Ariz. to honor the
Highland girls soccer team on the 4th Annual MaxPreps Soccer Tour of Champions presented by the Army National Guard. The Highland Hawks finished the season 24-2-1. Not only did they win the Division 1 state title by defeating Desert Vista 1-0, MaxPreps also ranked them nationally. Out of 10,000 girls' soccer programs, Highland ranked No. 9 in the country.
On Thursday, May 14th, MaxPreps and the Arizona Army National Guard traveled to Highland High School to honor the team on their national ranking and award them with the Army National Guard national ranking trophy. The team was presented the prestigious trophy during a Recognition Day assembly in the gymnasium.
After all the students had entered the gym, Norris Thomas of MaxPreps started the ceremony by recounting to the crowd the Hawks successful season. After speaking about the team, he continued by explaining the Tour of Champions as well as the MaxPreps Computer Rankings. Everyone cheered at the huge accomplishment.
Then, Staff Sergeant Ryan Wangler of the Arizona Army National Guard congratulated the team on their accomplishments and correlated many of the traits of the Army National Guard to that of a championship team, including hard work and determination. After stressing how proud the Arizona Army National Guard was to be presenting the team this honor, SSG Wangler presented Coach Andy Barber and the team with the Army National Guard national ranking trophy.
Once the presentation was finished, Coach Barber and the team took formal photos with the trophy and were interviewed by local media expressing their excitement and how honored they were to be presented with the trophy. SSG Wangler handed out Tour of Champions commemorative shirts and cinch bags to the team as well.
Congratulations to Coach Barber and the girls' soccer team on an unbelievable season and national ranking!
