The Gretna East Griffins girls’ soccer program has established itself as a powerhouse in Nebraska high school athletics by securing back-to-back Class B state championships. Under the strategic guidance of Coach Chace Hutchison, the team dominated their competition in both 2024 and 2025, cementing their legacy in Nebraska high school soccer history with consecutive titles.
After a thrilling 2-1 victory over Omaha Skutt Catholic in 2024, the Griffins returned with even greater determination in 2025, overwhelming Lincoln Pius X with a commanding 5-0 win to claim their second straight championship. This remarkable achievement highlights the program’s consistency and excellence in Nebraska School Activities Association (NSAA) competition.
A dominant championship performance
The 2025 Class B state championship game showcased the Griffins at their absolute best. Led by senior forward Sonora DeFini, who capped her illustrious high school career with two goals in the final, Gretna East dismantled Lincoln Pius X 5-0 in a display of offensive firepower and defensive excellence.
Freshman Taylor Larock provided a glimpse into the program’s bright future by scoring the crucial opening goal, while senior defender Addison Larock and midfielder Kendall Dobberstein also found the net in the championship victory. The dominant performance demonstrated why Gretna East has become the team to beat in Class B soccer.
The championship victory was the culmination of a season where the Griffins overcame every challenge, including decisive tournament wins against Northwest and Blair before their championship triumph. Coach Hutchison’s tactical approach proved unstoppable as his team executed their game plan to perfection in the NSAA Soccer Championship results.
Key players behind the consecutive championships
Several standout players were instrumental in securing Gretna East’s back-to-back titles:
- Sonora DeFini (Senior Forward): The Class B Player of the Year netted an incredible 44 goals in her senior season, finishing her career with 119 total goals.
- Kendall Dobberstein (Senior Midfielder): The all-time Class B assist leader controlled the midfield and earned All-State recognition.
- Addison Larock (Senior Defender): A defensive stalwart who also contributed offensively, scoring in the 2025 championship game.
- Taylor Larock (Freshman Forward): The emerging star signaled the program’s bright future by scoring the opening goal in the championship match.
- Karli Williams (Senior Defensive Midfielder): Provided crucial defensive stability that allowed the offense to flourish.
- Maddie Schaffert (Senior Goalkeeper): Her leadership and shot-stopping ability anchored a defense that shut out Lincoln Pius X in the final.
Coach Hutchison’s championship blueprint
Coach Chace Hutchison’s influence cannot be overstated in Gretna East’s success. His possession-based philosophy emphasizes quick passing, intelligent movement, and defensive organization. After the championship victory, Hutchison reflected on the achievement: “We wanted to send the seniors out on a high note with those four trophies. It’s just the exclamation point.”
Hutchison’s tactical flexibility allowed him to adapt the team’s approach based on opponents’ weaknesses while maintaining their core identity. His development of young talent alongside experienced players created a sustainable model for success that should continue beyond this championship run.
Building a soccer dynasty in Gretna
What makes Gretna East’s achievement particularly impressive is how quickly they’ve established themselves in the competitive Nebraska high school soccer landscape. While other programs have achieved similar success, like the historic girls’ soccer 3peat elsewhere, Gretna East’s back-to-back titles suggest they’re building something special.
The team’s consecutive championships have energized the Gretna community and elevated the school’s athletic profile beyond Nebraska. With a strong youth development pipeline and proven coaching staff, the Griffins appear positioned to contend for championships for years to come.
Season statistics and impressive numbers
The Griffins’ dominance is reflected in their season statistics:
- 5-0 championship victory – their most dominant state final performance
- 44 goals scored by Sonora DeFini in her senior season
- Multiple shutouts recorded throughout the state tournament
- Four seniors ending their careers with four championship trophies
Growth of girls’ soccer in Nebraska
Gretna East’s success coincides with increasing interest in girls’ soccer across Nebraska. Their high-quality play and championship performances have helped elevate the profile of the sport throughout the state, similar to how broader broadcast deal for women’s soccer has increased visibility at higher levels.
Conclusion
The Gretna East girls’ soccer program’s back-to-back Class B state championships represent more than just trophies – they mark the emergence of a dominant program in Nebraska high school athletics. Through exceptional player development, strategic coaching, and a winning culture, the Griffins have established themselves as the team to beat in Class B competition.
As DeFini eloquently expressed after securing her final high school championship: “It was a cool moment to be with all of my teammates and share one last win with them. It was really fun, and I’m going to miss it a lot.” For the Gretna East community, these consecutive championships will be remembered as the foundation of their soccer program’s growing legacy.
Will the Griffins complete a three-peat in 2026? The Nebraska high school soccer community will be watching closely as this emerging dynasty continues to develop.
