Passing the (very hot) torch: Blue Valley West clinches 5th straight state title in final game for Jags coaching staff

Blue Valley West has been here before.

The Jags, who have now reached the Class 6A state title game in six straight seasons, faced Washburn Rural in the postseason each of the last five years. Blue Valley West made it a five-game sweep with its 2-0 victory on Saturday, May 28 at College Boulevard Activity Center in Olathe to win the team's fifth straight state title.

But for the MVP of this title game, the experience was entirely new.

Senior Reiss Wood played for her club soccer team during the spring in previous seasons before joining the Blue Valley West team this season. Wood delivered quickly in her first state experience, scoring a goal just five minutes into the contest when junior Abbie Fries passed the ball between multiple defenders to find Wood on the break.

"It was kind of a blur, it happened really fast," Wood said. "I wasn't sure if I was going to make that run. I was like, 'I need to do it and be there for my team.' It felt really good."

She also iced the game with her second goal midway through the second half when she put her body on the line, colliding with Washburn Rural players as she sent the ball into the net.

"It feels amazing," Wood said. "I'm just super proud of my team. We all worked really hard this season. We had some tough spots, but we really grinded it out."

Blue Valley West girls soccer Reiss Wood — Blue Valley West senior Reiss Wood gains control of the ball during the Class 6A girls soccer state title game.

Wood said she opted to join her high school team this season because she is proud of the school's culture supporting sports and activities and she wanted to take part in that before she graduated.

"I knew I wanted to come out and represent my school the way that we represent ourselves in the community," Wood said. "I'm really proud to be a part of this team."

While this will be the first and only state experience for Wood, goalkeeper Zinesh Holt finished off her freshman campaign with a clean sheet in her first state final. This is the second state title for Fries, who said she's not too overwhelmed by the pressure of keeping the streak alive.

"It's always a lot of pressure each year to keep it going, but even if we don't win, we have so much support and love from our family and fans," Fries said.

One person is happy to be done with that pressure is Blue Valley West head coach Alex Aiman. Aiman, who announced four years ago that this would be his final season coaching the team, described winning this state title as "a relief."

"I don't know if I feel great, but It's a relief because it's such a struggle," Aiman said. "Everything's a struggle. Nothing's easy. … I'm happy for the kids and that's what it's all about."

Blue Valley West Abbie Fries — Blue Valley West junior Abby Fries starts to dribble the ball near midfield during the Class 6A girls soccer state title game.

Not only is this Aiman's fifth straight state title as the Jags girls coach, he's won four previous titles with the girls and three with the boys team.

"It's the stress," Aiman said. "It's not healthy for me all the stress goes into it. Everybody wants to beat us. When you're on top, you get everyone's A-game, for boys and girls."

Aiman had help from his assistants handling the stress, but they're ready to hang up their coaching hats, too. Assistant coaches Jennifer Danner and Tait Einnerson have been with Aiman for all 12 state titles. He said he credits his team's success as much to those two as he does himself.

"It's kind of the end of an era, but I think the Jags will be just fine," Aiman said.

Blue Valley West has already selected its next soccer coach for both the boys and girls team. As first reported by Andy Brown of Louisburg Sports Zone, Louisburg head coach Kyle Conley announced early this month that he had accepted the Jaguars opening for both positions.

Conley, who has coached the Wildcats girls team since its inception, went a combined 159-66-6 with sixth last four appearances and two state runner-up finishes as coach for both Louisburg soccer programs since 2016.

As for Aiman, he doesn't have his retirement plans completely mapped out, but he's still just as sure about his decision as when he announced in the middle of his championship dynasty starting to "run hot."

"My kids are 27 years old now and I'm eligible for retirement so I'm taking it," Aiman said. "I'll find some other stuff to do. But those (assistant coaches), they now have their little kids growing up and they don't want to miss their games.

"I'm old. I got to step away, let someone young come in with all their energy and go get it."

In the third-place game, Olathe Northwest defeated Manhattan 5-0, including two from junior Mimi Hallier to lead the Ravens.

Blue Valley West girls soccer Zinesh Holt — Blue Valley West freshman Zinesh Holt blocks a Washburn Rural shot away from the net during the Class 6A state title game.

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