As the 2026 season is on the horizon for the Adel-DeSoto-Minburn Girls Soccer Team, senior Haley James describes how last year’s experience from the state tournament can bring positive carry over.

James started playing soccer at a young age of five years old, noting that she adores the opportunity to bond with her teammates, as well as growing confidence as an individual. She states that the previous seniors taught her to give 100 percent every single game and never quit until the final horn sounds. During the 2025 season, ADM was able to qualify for the Class 2A State Tournament in Ames, where they ultimately fell 3-1 to Waverly-Shell Rock in the semifinals. James believes that the Tigers were able to learn many lessons from that run.

“I think last year was really showing ourselves that we can do amazing things, and qualify for a lot of different things. And so I think that’s just going to transfer over this year to push ourselves even more and to achieve more this year.”

James missed her entire junior season due to injury, but is looking to play a pivotal role this year as a senior. ADM will play their season/home opener this coming Thursday at Tiger Stadium in Adel against North Polk.