The report charts a clear recovery. Highlands went 0-16 in 2022, then struggled to field a team after the programme was cancelled the following season. The squad reportedly grew to 12 players in 2024, when it finished 2-7-1, before reaching 21 players and a 7-9 record last year.
That progress has also brought attacking promise. Rising sophomore striker Ella Prager is reported to have scored 17 goals last season, while rising senior midfielder Natalie Dickerson contributed five goals and five assists. Their continued development could be central to Highlands’ hopes of competing against deeper section rivals.
The return to WPIAL section play will bring a significant test. Highlands is scheduled to face Burrell, Deer Lakes, Freeport, North Catholic, Oakland Catholic and Valley in a 12-match programme.
The report identifies a section packed with postseason experience:
For a programme still rebuilding, consistency against that level of opposition will matter as much as individual results.
Highlands’ official preseason practices are due to begin on 17 August, with the regular season scheduled to start on 28 August. The team has reportedly maintained fitness work since January and held summer sessions since 28 June, with scrimmages against Apollo-Ridge and Riverview planned before the opener.
The first target is simple: turn roster growth into competitive depth. Highlands’ opening weeks will show whether the progress from 12 players to 28 can translate into a sustainable return to WPIAL football.