UPDATE: The Boulder Valley School District field hockey team has made waves in the state playoffs, clinching a stunning victory over No. 9 Mountain Vista with a 1-0 win on October 31, 2025. This marks a significant milestone as the Panthers advance to face off against the formidable No. 1 seed, Cherry Creek, in the quarterfinals.
The Panthers’ victory was secured by a late goal from senior captain Tenley Layne, who has emerged as a key player for the team, leading with 11 goals and 12 assists this season. Layne, who started playing field hockey just four years ago, expressed her pride in her progress: “I’m really proud of the player I’ve become, and playing is so much fun because of the player I’ve become.”
The journey of the Panthers has been nothing short of remarkable. Founded just four years ago, the team owes its existence to the perseverance of Layne and fellow senior captains Lyla Jolly and Courtney Windt. They advocated for a high school field hockey program to ensure future generations could enjoy the sport, even fundraising to get the team off the ground.
In their inaugural varsity season last year, the Panthers finished with a record of 8-8-2. Now, with an impressive 12-3-1 record, they are peaking at the right time. Head coach Allyse Mullen shared her excitement, stating, “We’ve never scored this many goals before,” highlighting the team’s growth and dedication.
As the Panthers prepare for their showdown against Cherry Creek, they face a formidable challenge but carry the hope of pulling off an upset. “It feels like a sports movie,” Jolly said, reflecting on the team’s unexpected rise to prominence in a lesser-known sport.
With Layne and teammate Drew Layne ranking sixth and seventh in Colorado for points scored, their combined efforts have brought the team to this critical juncture. The upcoming match against Cherry Creek will test their mettle as they aim for an even bigger upset.
The quarterfinal match is set for Thursday afternoon, and the Panthers are ready to make their mark on the state tournament. The community is rallying behind them, eager to support their local team in this pivotal moment.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Panthers strive for victory in the playoffs!
