What happened: The Lady Rebels soccer team finished District 2-6A play with a third-place finish. After five consecutive district wins to finish out the regular season, Legacy moves forward into the playoffs.

The big picture: Coach Ruiz, now in his fourth season as head coach of the Lady Rebels, says this has been a significant year for the program. Not only is it the first time he has led the team to the playoffs, but it also marks the program’s first playoff appearance since 2021.

The team reached a turning point after a tough 4–0 loss to cross-town rival Midland High on Feb. 13. Ruiz described the match as a reality check, saying the team knew it would have to elevate its play to keep its playoff hopes alive.

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When asked about key leaders and contributors, Ruiz said it was difficult to single out individuals because of how the entire roster has stepped up. From freshmen to seniors, he said, every player has embraced their role and contributed to the team’s success.

“They have all figured out their role and what the standard is,” Ruiz said.

Go deeper: Ruiz emphasized contributions from players across the roster, noting freshmen who have stepped into major roles, seniors who consistently bring a competitive edge, and juniors who anchor the backline. He added that the team’s growth begins in practice, where the players continually push one another to improve.

The Lady Rebels said they are excited as they prepare for the playoffs, with this being the first postseason appearance for every player on the roster. While the experience will be new, the team believes it has a strong chance to compete and knows it will need to give its best effort on the field.

In preparation for the matchup, Legacy has been reviewing game film of its first playoff opponent, El Paso Franklin, studying tendencies and building a game plan. At the same time, the team remains focused on sharpening its own play and continuing to improve in areas within its control.

This group holds special meaning for Coach Ruiz. It is the first class of seniors he has coached all the way through, beginning when many of them were young players at Abell Junior High. Ruiz said he is proud of the team and grateful for the opportunity to coach this group.

What’s next: The Lady Rebels will face El Paso Franklin in the first round of the playoffs on Friday, March 20.