Under the lights of the Sister Margaret Ann Moser, O.S.U. Athletic Field, Ursuline alumnae returned to campus for the annual Alumnae Soccer Game, stepping back onto familiar turf and into lifelong bonds.

On January 5, approximately 25 alumnae gathered to play against the 2024–2025 Varsity team and cheer from the sidelines, representing classes spanning more than three decades. In a decisive showing, the alumnae team earned a 4-0 victory, but the true win was the chance to reconnect through the sport that first united them.

One of the night’s most memorable moments came from Stephanie Wachsman Woods ’91, who drove from San Antonio just to participate. She not only took the field but also recorded an assist, contributing directly to the alumnae victory.

“The program’s motto, ‘Tradition Never Graduates,’ came to life tonight,” said Emy Franke Reed ’14, JV White Soccer Coach and organizer of the event. “Seeing current and former players united on our field reflected the heart of Ursuline sisterhood. As the full group gathered in prayer before the game, you could feel the deep love and pride we all share for the school and for the program. Being an Ursuline Soccer Bear isn’t just something you once were; it’s something you carry with you forever.”

^{Current and former UAVS circled in prayer before the game.}

“Tradition Never Graduates,” often shortened to TNG, is a guiding philosophy of the Ursuline Academy Varsity Soccer program. It honors those who came before while setting standards for those who follow. That standard is preserved through rituals, shared values, and a strong sense of community.

One of the most visible traditions is the team’s celebration after every goal: the entire squad jumps over the midline together. Before each state tournament, the team attends Mass together and eats dinner at Texas Roadhouse. And after a semifinal win, there’s only one place to celebrate: Olive Garden.

“As an alumna, I feel honored and content in knowing that our legacy within the program will never fade. TNG is a huge reason for this. The culture and traits UAVS have contributed to the team’s success on the field and the friendships off. I know that wherever I end up in life, I will always have UAVS to lean on because ‘tradition never graduates.’"

- Kylie Dobbs ’21

^{2013-2014 UAVS Team alumnae}

The team’s culture is also built on smaller, more personal traditions. Each game features a ribbon worn by players, and every home match includes a “Secret Pal” gift exchange, culminating in a reveal at the team’s Christmas party. Seniors pass down their jersey numbers to underclassmen, often selecting players who embody the same spirit and camaraderie.

Coach Reed ’14 credits former Head Coach Jamie Cantrell for creating the foundation for the discipline, respect, and sisterhood that the soccer program has been built on—in addition to nine consecutive state titles under her leadership. “The traditions, quite literally, are the standards of the program,” shared Cantrell. “Designed, implemented and executed from generation to generation. They are sacred. They are upheld and respected.”

She believes one thing is true about both sport and life in general: “When standards are set and upheld, it shapes the very culture that which these young athletes are a part of—it promotes a selfless culture. A culture based on pride and tradition.  And when it matters most, the standards and traditions are what come through. [The standards and traditions are] quite literally the competitive edge and advantage. The players are focusing, playing and committing to something bigger than [the] self. That carries huge significance in every aspect of their lives, now and forever.”

^{Jenny Neil Glenn '15 and Gabriela Garza '25 both continued their soccer careers at Rhodes College}

Allison Daus Tennyson ’05, Head Soccer Coach 2012-2014, reflected on a pivotal season when a talent-stacked team struggled through district play: "All signs were pointing to us breaking the consecutive state championship streak." UAVS would be playing for the 24th consecutive state championship in program history.

“After the regular season," shared Tennyson, "I decided to take a different approach to coaching and just focus on the girls coming together as a group and learning to love and play for one another. In the state championship game, we ended up beating Bishop Lynch in double overtime and penalty kicks. Emy (Franke Reed ’14) sent me the game video the other day and it brought tears to my eyes. This reinforced to me as a coach how important coaching the girl is over coaching the game of soccer.” 

From the first whistle to the final huddle, Ursuline Soccer players carry a legacy that endures well beyond their years on campus. At Ursuline, tradition truly never graduates.

“UAVS is such an amazing and special team with one of my favorite parts being how the traditions, memories, and friendships don’t end when you graduate. They last forever. From an alumna perspective, I love knowing the UAVS legacy is continuing and that the girls who come after me get to continue that on and have the same experience as me and all the girls who came before us and built this program.”

- Kylie Koeijmans ‘21