The Sound FC GU14 Girls are 2026 National Champions.
After a season built on consistent development, competitive preparation, and a clear team identity, the group completed their run at the US Youth Soccer National Championships by winning the first national title in Sound FC history.
Director of Soccer Brandon Mitalas said the result reflected more than one week of tournament play.
“All of us at Sound FC are not only proud of our girls, but we are excited for them. Winning the national championship marks the end of a journey that began over 14 months ago.”
“Throughout the season, this group showed toughness, resilience, grit, pride, passion, and selflessness. In the final, everyone played, everyone contributed, and everyone experienced all of the emotions together.”
Sound FC will add a gold star above the club badge to recognize the achievement. It will be the first national championship star in club history.
Preparation Before the Tournament
Head Coach Paul Bayly kept the team’s preparation focused and controlled before traveling to the tournament.
Instead of adding more competitive events, he used friendly matches to help the players prepare for the tournament format and the rules they would face.
“We only played friendly games because I wanted to control the environment and give us an opportunity to prepare under the rules we would be playing under,” Bayly said.
The approach allowed the team to work through specific situations without making results the priority before the tournament began.
Bayly said the championship reflected the standard the players maintained throughout the full season.
“I am absolutely delighted for all the players, the parents, and the club. The girls were outstanding, not just this week, but for the whole season. They deserve every bit of credit.”
Madeleine Stebner Wins the Golden Glove
Goalkeeper Madeleine Stebner earned the tournament’s Golden Glove after a strong week in goal for Sound FC.
Madeleine demonstrated quality in shot-stopping, command of the penalty area, distribution, communication, and leadership. She finished the tournament with three clean sheets and saved two penalty kicks during the semifinal shootout.
Sound FC Director of Goalkeeping Dorian Lair said Madeleine’s tournament performance matched the standard she consistently brings to training and competition.
“Madeleine is one of the hardest-working players at the club at any age. She is an excellent communicator, a strong leader, and an even better person.”
“The Golden Glove speaks to her technical quality, but the people who work with her also understand how much preparation, consistency, and responsibility she brings to the position. Proud of you, sister.”
Her two saves in the semifinal shootout helped Sound FC advance to the championship match and gave the team the opportunity to finish the job in the final.
Coco Hooks Wins the Golden Boot
Coco Hooks earned the tournament’s Golden Boot after scoring five goals during the competition.
She also converted her penalty kick in the semifinal shootout victory.
Coco delivered the winning goal in the national championship match with a 30-yard free kick into the top corner. The strike gave the opposing goalkeeper little opportunity to make a save and decided the final in Sound FC’s favor.
Her production across the tournament gave Sound FC a consistent attacking threat, while her goal in the final provided the biggest moment of the week.
Coaching and Player Development
Paul Bayly holds a U.S. Soccer A License and multiple U.S. Soccer coach educator licenses.
He currently serves as Director of Coaching Education for Washington Youth Soccer and works in U.S. Soccer Coach Education, contributing to courses from the grassroots level through the B License pathway.
His background also includes national team talent identification, coach development, and implementing modern coaching methods centered on intelligent, possession-based soccer and complete player development.
The national championship reflects the work of the players, coaching staff, families, and club support structure over the full course of the season.
“This is a special group of players and families, and the future is incredibly bright for them,” Mitalas said. “Sound FC will be adding a gold star above our badge, and it will forever remain as a tribute to our club’s first national championship.”
The Sound FC GU14 Girls now return home as national champions, with a Golden Glove, a Golden Boot, three clean sheets, five goals from the tournament’s leading scorer, and the first national championship trophy in club history.
Congratulations to the Sound FC GU14 players, Coach Paul Bayly, the coaching staff, and the families who supported the group throughout the season.
