The Mount Pulaski Hilltoppers enter the 2026 season with a young roster, plenty of new faces and optimism about what the group can accomplish.
With a co-ed team featuring mostly freshmen and sophomores, Mount Pulaski is hoping its increased numbers will lead to improvement throughout the season.
Sophomore Anna Rhodes said having more players this year should make a major difference, giving the Hilltoppers more depth and opportunities to use substitutions.
Rhodes, one of the girls on the co-ed roster, said she enjoys the physical side of competing against the boys and feels comfortable being part of the group.
The Hilltoppers are also putting an emphasis on fundamentals, particularly passing and clearing, as they look to improve from last season.
Senior captain Jeremiah Woodford is the lone senior on the roster and has embraced his leadership role.
Woodford said it’s an honor to captain such a young team and help the underclassmen improve. He has focused on leading by example and helping teach players throughout practices.
The Hilltoppers are coached by Chris Wilson, who Woodford jokingly referred to as “Mr. Miyagi” because of his quiet personality and extensive knowledge of the game.
Wilson has emphasized fundamentals, communication, passing and shooting as the team works to get everyone on the same page.
Junior? Actually, Josiah Siebert, who plays goalkeeper, said the young roster has been eager to learn and improve. He believes the team’s youth can be an advantage because the players are willing to learn and develop together.
Siebert has a unique role on the team as the goalkeeper, focusing on side-to-side movement, diving, jumping and changing directions to protect the net.
The Hilltoppers are also hoping their home field can provide an advantage. Siebert noted that playing on longer grass requires a different approach than playing on turf, and Mount Pulaski hopes being accustomed to its own surface will benefit the team.
While expectations remain open-ended because of the team’s youth, Wilson said the players have been working hard and he expects good things from the group.
The Hilltoppers also have a new field that has helped generate excitement around the program. Wilson said the improved facility has brought more fans and has been a major improvement for the community.
With a young roster, one senior leader and plenty of room to grow, Mount Pulaski enters the season focused on improvement.
The Hilltoppers may be young, but they believe they have the opportunity to make strides throughout the 2026 season.
Small roster. Young team. Big opportunity.
