The Westonka White Hawks boys soccer program concluded an unforgettable 2025 campaign with a collective 32 wins across its Varsity, Junior Varsity, and C Squad teams. From standout senior leadership to rising underclassman talent, the program demonstrated pride, passion, and a clear vision for the future.

Varsity White Hawks: A Season of Strength Ends in a Stormy Semifinal Heartbreaker

The varsity White Hawks finished their season with a 12-3-2 record, landing 2nd in the conference after regular season play.  The team opened the playoffs with a commanding 3-0 victory over Hutchinson, and saw their postseason hopes dashed in a dramatic 2-3 loss to New Ulm in the sectional semifinal — a match that included a 60-minute rain delay and emotional swings that will be remembered for years.

The semifinal began as a tactical battle, tied 0-0 at halftime when a sudden storm forced a one-hour weather delay. But Westonka emerged from the break with fire.

Junior Chase Lee broke the deadlock early in the second half, slipping behind the defense and finishing calmly to put the White Hawks up 1-0. Just minutes later, fellow junior Julian Herkelman doubled the lead with a sharp strike from inside the box, putting Westonka in control at 2-0.

Momentum began to shift midway through the half when New Ulm pulled one back off a dangerous cross that found its mark in front of goal. Moments later, disaster struck when senior forward Leigh Hagen — one of Westonka’s top offensive threats — was forcibly removed from the match with an injury following a hard foul that left him unable to re-enter.  Chase Lee also suffered an injury in the second half and left the match.  

Despite their best efforts to maintain composure, the White Hawks conceded a second goal when a set piece ball was kicked by New Ulm before a ref whistle while they were lining up defensively and unguarded for a free kick just outside the box, leveling the match at 2-2 with 12 min left in the match.  

With time winding down, both teams pushed for the winner, but it was New Ulm who broke through, scoring the decisive goal in the final four minutes of regulation to steal the lead and the win.

Despite the emotional semi-final loss, the team had an amazing season that showcased strong performance and poise both offensively and defensively throughout.  All 3 losses by the White Hawks varsity team this season were decided by just 1 goal differential showing they were strong competitors and leaders defensively across the table.    

Junior Varsity: 9-Win Season Builds Momentum

The JV White Hawks capped off a strong season with a 9-5-2 record, showcasing deep talent and steady development throughout the fall.

C-Squad: Growth and Grit in 11-Win Campaign

The C Squad had a standout year of their own, finishing with an 11-7-1 record. The youngest players in the program laid a strong foundation, learning to play with confidence, structure, and determination.

The squad wrapped up with a jamboree playing several teams in the area finishing with an unforgettably fun globetrotter-esque intersquad match between white and red white hawk teams at Haddorff stadium coached by their varsity teammates.   

A Program Poised for More

From the leadership of seniors like Lief Hagen(F), Gavin Kevitt(MF/D) and Jhon Samaniego(MF), to the rising contributions of juniors like Chase Lee (MF), Julian Herkelman(F), Davin Wahtola(MF/D), Carlos Jordan(D) and Spencer Putnam (GK), the 2025 season was a defining step forward for the White Hawks.

As the sun sets on a hard-fought season, one thing is certain: the White Hawks are rising, and they’ll be back — stronger, smarter, and hungrier — in 2026.