The Cashmere Bulldogs Girls Soccer program enters the 2026 season with a strong returning core, an exciting group of young players, and one clear objective: continue building on the standard of excellence that has defined Cashmere soccer.
The Bulldogs are coming off an outstanding 2025 campaign in which they finished 19-3 overall and 15-1 in league play, captured both the SCAC League Championship and District Championship, and advanced to the WIAA 1A State Quarterfinals. Cashmere’s season ended on the road against Montesano in a hard-fought 1-0 quarterfinal loss.
That ending has provided plenty of motivation heading into 2026. The goal isn’t simply to get back to where the Bulldogs finished last season – it is to see how much further this group can go.
A Proven Offensive Core Returns
Cashmere returns a significant amount of its offensive production, including five of its leading scorers and point producers from 2025.
Senior Brynne Patrick (1st Team All-State) leads the returning attack after producing 26 goals, 16 assists and 68 points in 2025. She is joined by senior Gwen Ledesma (1st Team All-State, 24 goals, 13 assists, 61 points), junior Makelah Gatens (22 goals, 7 assists, 51 points), senior Addie Talley (2nd Team All-State, 17 goals, 12 assists, 46 points), and sophomore Elle Jacobson (9 goals, 9 assists, 26 points).
That returning production gives Cashmere an experienced attacking foundation, but the emphasis in 2026 will be on becoming an even more complete and dynamic team – not simply relying on what individual players accomplished a year ago.
The Bulldogs also return considerable experience through the midfield, where the challenge will be to control games, connect lines, dictate tempo and create opportunities while continuing to defend collectively.
A New Opportunity in Goal
Senior Ellie Van Winkle enters 2026 ready to embrace a significantly different role for the Bulldogs. During the 2025 season, Van Winkle contributed primarily on the field while also serving as a backup goalkeeper. Now, entering her senior season, she is transitioning into the goal and has the opportunity to make the position her own.
Her experience as a field player provides a unique perspective, athleticism and comfort with the ball at her feet. As Van Winkle continues developing her goalkeeper technique, positioning, communication and decision-making, the expectation is for her to grow into a leader from the back and take command of the box as hers.
Building the Defense
Defensively, the Bulldogs will combine returning experience with players who have developed and waited for their opportunities within the reserve program.
Junior Peyton Irelan returns as an important piece of that defensive group, bringing experience and an understanding of the expectations within Bulldog soccer.
One of the most exciting returns will be senior Sydney McIver, who is coming back after suffering a season-ending injury in 2025. McIver’s versatility provides Cashmere with options throughout the field. She is dynamic both on and off the ball and possesses the ability to help solidify a defense or move to forward and make a significant offensive impact.
Developing chemistry, communication, trust and a shared defensive understanding will be an important part of the Bulldogs’ growth throughout the season.
Depth, Youth and Opportunity
Other notable returning contributors include juniors Madelyn Vela and Valerie Soria, who will have opportunities to take on increasingly important roles as the Bulldogs continue developing their depth.
Cashmere also welcomes a promising freshman class in 2026. The program will look to provide those young players opportunities to compete, learn and grow within the standards of Bulldog soccer. Some may be ready to contribute immediately at the varsity level, while others will continue developing for increasingly important roles in the future.
Leadership should also be a strength. The program features six returning seniors, along with a new senior who brings energy and a strong work ethic, as well as a senior serving as the team’s top manager.
With more than 40 girls in the program, Cashmere enters 2026 with competition throughout the roster and an opportunity to continue strengthening both the first team and reserve program.
A New Chapter – With Deep Roots
The 2026 season also marks a new chapter for Cashmere soccer, as Anya Belcher takes over as head coach of the Cashmere Bulldogs. But for Belcher, this isn’t a new connection to the program. Her roots with Cashmere soccer run much deeper.
As a Cashmere soccer alum, Belcher understands that taking over the program isn’t about starting over. It’s about accepting responsibility for something generations of players and coaches have already built.
“My goal is to honor the legacy that was established before me while continuing to move Cashmere soccer forward. As an alum, I know what it means to wear Cashmere across your chest. There is a standard here – how we compete, how we work, how we represent our school and how we play for one another. Our responsibility is to honor the coaches and players who built that tradition, own the standard today, and leave the program even stronger for the players who come next.”
This history provides the foundation. But the 2026 Bulldogs have the opportunity to write their own chapter.
The expectations remain high. The returning talent is there. Experienced players are stepping into larger leadership roles. Players who have waited for their opportunity are ready to compete. A talented freshman class is beginning its journey.
And after reaching the final eight in State in 2025, this group understands both how difficult that journey is and how close they were to taking another step.
For Cashmere, the challenge in 2026 isn’t simply to repeat last season. It’s to build on it – with Belcher leading the Bulldogs into the next chapter of Cashmere soccer.
