Sugar River girls soccer enters the 2026 season with a veteran group, a proud program history, and a coach who is making it clear that none of that guarantees anything once the matches begin.

Head coach John Ziperski said this year’s team brings a strong senior and upperclass presence, but he also believes this group will have to prove itself on its own terms. After several seasons shaped by standout talent, he said one of the biggest challenges will be making sure players do not assume success simply because of what previous Raider teams accomplished. “Our reputation likely stands taller than our experience,” Ziperski said, adding that this group has had great examples to follow but fewer chances to be “in the driver’s seat.”