After graduating one of the largest senior classes in program history, the Pella girls soccer team starts the 2022 season with a handful of key returners and a lot of youth set to step up into larger roles this spring.

Keyed by All-State striker Abby Warner and All-State Honorable Mention Haley Van Houweling, the Dutch aim to climb back to the top of a deep Little Hawkeye Conference, according to Head Coach Mark Howard. Warner broke the freshman record for goals in a season (26), but will need some youth and 2021 returners to help balance the offense.

Other key returners include: Mia Warner — who is switching to a main defender role, midfielder Anna Vander Waal — who is signing to play next fall at Grand View College, and Anneka Stoltzfus — who will be featured more prominently in the midfield.

Pella plays in a conference with perennial state contenders Norwalk and DCG, and several other talented teams are also in the field, including a Pella Christian team returning All-State selections Joslyn Terpstra and Jaclyn Holmes. The Dutch will compete in one of the toughest non-conference schedules in Class 2A, which includes defending champions Waverly-Shell Rock and powerhouse Lewis Central.

The Dutch girls open the 2022 season tonight against Winterset, with JV starting at 5:30 p.m. at Pella High School.