MIHS Unified Soccer Team Heading To State Championship

Mercer Island, WA, May 15, 2024 – The Mercer Island High School Unified Soccer team is advancing to the High School Unified Soccer Washington State Championship taking place in Puyallup on May 25 at Washington Premier Fields.

This is the first time a MIHS Unified Sports team has advanced to the state championship.

MIHS is in the Red Division at the Championship with Shorecrest High School, Enumclaw High School, and Battle Ground High School. The team’s first game is at 10am and if they win they will advance to the Championship game which is at noon.   

The soccer team advanced to the state championship after winning their division on Saturday. The team played four games on Saturday and won them all. In the first game against Shorewood High School, the teams went to penalty kicks tied 2-2 and MIHS won in the penalty kick shootout. In the second game against Lincoln High School MIHS won 8-6. In the third game MIHS defeated Mariner High School in overtime. They finished Saturday against Liberty High School and after a 1-1 tie they went to overtime and then to penalty kicks. MIHS won by one in the penalty kick shootout. 

Despite facing challenging conditions, including intense heat, on Saturday the MIHS team played with exceptional determination and resilience.

“Our unified team is not only a force on the field but also a reflection of integrity and inclusion on our campus,” said MIHS Special Services teacher Jeniffer Blaser. “Many other teams took notice on Saturday and stopped me to comment on how well our team conducted themselves. They remarked on the human kindness and athletic determination shown by our players, which is a testament to the values we uphold at MIHS.”

"I am particularly proud to highlight the extraordinary efforts of our players," continued Blaser. "Gavin Fukano and Yura Vaganov played every game without a break due to limited substitutes. Jeremy Tsepenyuk also did an amazing job, playing three of the four games without a break." Unified sports partners also supported our team both on and off the field. They are committed to our athletes, the organization as a whole, and the MIHS community.

MIHS is very thankful for the continued support of MIHS Unified Sports. The team’s success would not be possible without the encouragement and support of students, teachers, staff and administration.