CORTEZ – Right down the middle of the Panthers formation, sweeper to central midfield to striker, Montezuma-Cortez High School possesses a wealth of experience that makes the whole machine operate.

Everything for the Panthers attack radiates from the central spokes of seniors Grace Darrin, Anna Jensen and Janae Boyd – and the rest of the team has learned to work in concert, defending and scoring in unison in the midst of another strong season for M-CHS soccer.

The fact that M-CHS has turned into a Southwest Colorado power belies the fact that the program had laid fallow for two years – and further emphasizes just how impactful the Class of 2024 has been in the rise to prominence.

At the center of it all, literally, stands Jensen – whose composure and decision-making in the midfield stirs the rest of the team’s offensive rhythm. Having played club soccer in Durango from her early years in the sport, Jensen valued staying with her hometown school for her scholastic experience.

“To be able to play with my friends in this community and represent my school well is really important to me,” said Jensen, who plans to serve the country with the U.S. Coast Guard beyond her graduation in May. “I’ve been wanting to grow a soccer community in Cortez – and hopefully it’s something that will continue on with the next generation.”

“Anna knows how to connect to everybody on the team and she knows the game so well,” said Darrin.

“I’m always checking the field, knowing where players are,” said Jensen. “I’m already thinking ahead of where I’d go next if I’m to get the ball.”

Jensen joins junior Emily Howell as the assist leaders over the past three seasons. Among the primary benefactors, Boyd has transformed into a bona fide scorer for the Panthers, breaking through with her first high school goal in an early season demolition of Ignacio. Since then, Boyd and the Panthers offense haven’t looked back.

“I had to get used to asking for the ball – I’ve gained a lot from the really good girls that I watched from earlier in my career,” said Boyd, the team’s leading scorer this season, “and I’ve been able to learn from some of my own mistakes.”

Boyd joins a handful of Dolores student-athletes, along with DHS educator and first-year head coach Melody Harris, who make the daily trek down Colorado Highway 145 to play for the orange-and-black. With Panthers leading scorer junior Jordi Mahler sidelined with a preseason injury, Boyd took on her elevated role with aplomb, and her combined speed and nose for the ball has made her a handful for opposing defenses.

“I’ve enjoyed being with different teammates for each sport,” said Boyd, who finished up her basketball career with Dolores this winter. “With some of my teammates like Anna, we’ve played together since we were young, and so we’ve already had some of the chemistry.”

At the heart of the back line, Darrin utilizes her steadying demeanor and vantage point of the entire pitch to help orchestrate the organization and discipline of a Panthers unit that has been hard to breakdown over the past several seasons. Working as the last line of defense in front of junior goalkeeper Aubrey Rutherford, Darrin’s ability to track opposing strikers and clear potential threats is a skill that Darrin has owned since stepping into the M-CHS program after a move to the area before her sophomore year.

“It’s so important to keep everyone in their positions,” said Darrin, “and I’ve felt more confident about being a leader on the field, but I’m also able to take my teammates’ feedback and work together to make sure nothing gets through.” Darrin added a memorable highlight to her career, scoring her first goal in high school – fittingly on an assist from Jensen.

Focusing on open communication and a positive atmosphere, Jensen keeps the results in perspective, “We’re here to have fun, because if you’re not, then why are you doing it?”

M-CHS celebrated their entire senior class on Saturday, April 27 against Pagosa Springs, honoring an impactful group that immediately stepped in as leaders - including stout defender Alyssa Brittain and fleet-footed forward Mikayla Puett as part of their collection of five seniors.

One thing serves as the glue for the seniors – a passion for the game – which brings along the next wave of M-CHS soccer success. “We’ve always loved the game,” said Darrin, “and we’ve been wanting to build this program back up – and though it’s been a challenge, we’re proud of what we’ve done.”