UPDATE: The Boulder Valley School District field hockey team has made headlines after a stunning 1-0 victory over the ninth-seeded Mountain Vista in the first round of the playoffs. The eighth-seeded Panthers will now face the top-seeded Cherry Creek in the quarterfinals on Thursday, October 31, 2025.
In a nail-biting finish, senior captain Tenley Layne scored the decisive goal, propelling the Panthers to victory in their second varsity season. Layne, who had never played field hockey before joining the team four years ago, has emerged as a key player, leading the squad with 11 goals and 12 assists this season. “I feel like I really put in my full effort and it’s fully reflected,” Layne stated, expressing pride in her progress.
The Panthers, boasting a record of 12-3-1, have shown remarkable growth since their inception. The program was founded by Layne and fellow senior captains Lyla Jolly and Courtney Windt, who campaigned for a high school field hockey team as eighth graders. Their determination led to the establishment of a program that now includes both junior varsity and varsity teams.
“It’s just crazy. It feels like a sports movie,” Jolly remarked, reflecting on the team’s unexpected success. Last year, the Panthers ended their inaugural varsity season with an even record of 8-8-2. Now, they are proving they belong among the best in the state.
Head coach Allyse Mullen praised the team’s performance, highlighting that this season has seen more goals than ever before. “We have, I think, three to four players in the top 25 for goals and points in Colorado,” Mullen noted, a first for the program. Layne and teammate Drew Layne rank sixth and seventh in state points with 34 and 32, respectively.
The upcoming match against Cherry Creek is highly anticipated, with the Panthers looking to pull off an upset against the formidable opponent. Fans and supporters are rallying behind the team, eager to witness what could be another historic moment for the program.
As the Panthers prepare for this crucial game, they carry not just the weight of their season but also the hopes of many who have watched them grow. The energy and excitement surrounding the team are palpable, making this playoff run one of the most thrilling stories in local sports.
Stay tuned for updates as the Panthers face off against Cherry Creek—this is one match you won’t want to miss!
