Perhaps nobody understood the magnitude of Plano West's appearance at this year's UIL state tournament more than senior Rachel Shipley.

As the team's only four-year starter, Shipley remembers the disappointment of losing in the Class 5A semifinals her freshman season, the last time Plano West advanced to the state tournament.

MIKE GIBSON / DMN

Rachel Shipley led Plano West with 20 assists.

Those feelings emerged again two weeks ago before Plano West's state semifinal against Flower Mound Marcus.

"We didn't want that to happen again," Shipley said.

It didn't. Plano West defeated Marcus, 2-1, on Shipley's goal and then defeated Deer Park, 3-0, to earn the fourth state championship in the program's eight-year history.

"It was such a good feeling to hear that final whistle and know that we were state champs," Shipley said. "It was incredible."

Shipley scored both goals in Plano West's 2-1 victory against Allen in the Region II final.

"I tried to be a leader, a motivator and a role model for the underclassmen," Shipley said.

Plano West, Sr., forward/midfielder

Notable: 19 goals and a team-leading 20 assists

About Shipley: Shipley, a Texas A&M signee, was Plano West's only four-year starter. She finished with 44 goals and 47 assists in 95 games.

What you don't know: Shipley enjoys mountain biking.

Notable: Jund led The Colony to the school's first state title in a team sport and a 23-3-4 record with a 1-0 victory against Friendswood in the Class 4A final.

About Jund: Jund, a 1996 Flower Mound Marcus graduate, previously coached at Pflugerville and Elgin.

What you don't know: Jund is a pilot.

Sophomore defender

Notable: 3 goals, 3 assists

About Foncham: She stabilized the back and was also comfortable pushing the ball forward.

What you don't know: "I took dance for 12 years, and I was part of a dance company for five years."

Flower Mound Marcus, Jr., forward

Notable: 23 goals, 18 assists

About Ortiz: The Texas signee and District 6-5A MVP used her speed to pressure defenses. She was a threat anytime she had the ball.

What you don't know: "I like to go snow skiing."

Richardson Berkner, Jr., forward

Notable: 22 goals, 12 assists

About Henderson: The 9-5A offensive MVP was called up twice to the under-20 national team this season.

What you don't know: "I love Chinese food."

Hebron, Sr., midfielder

Notable: 7 goals, 15 assists

About Bishop: The four-year starter signed with Iowa State. Bishop was vital in Hebron's run to the regional final in its first season in Class 5A.

What you don't know: "I ran cross country."

Greenhill, Jr., midfielder

Notable: 17 goals

About Rape: She led Greenhill to its second straight SPC Division I title. The under-17 national team player had five multi-goal games.

What you don't know: "I just learned to snowboard."

Plano West, Jr., midfielder

Notable: 6 goals, 8 assists

About Barg: Barg was brilliant in handling the ball in traffic. She stabilizes the middle and gets the ball to the playmakers.

What you don't know: "I love to cook and bake." Her specialty is banana bread.

Flower Mound Marcus, Jr., midfielder

Notable: 9 goals, 6 assists

About Vonstrohe: She will play soccer at SMU. Vonstrohe scored against Plano West in the Class 5A semifinals off an assist from Alisha Ortiz.

What you don't know: She's interested in studying advertising.

McKinney Boyd, Jr., defender

Notable: 5 goals, 4 assists

About Williamson: Dynamic player with blazing speed. Williamson, who is orally committed to Florida, was great at producing offense from the back.

What you don't know: Williamson's feet aren't the same size.

Coppell, Jr., defender

Notable: 1 assist

About Avant: Avant, an under-17 national team member, led Coppell in the back. Her team allowed 16 goals in 23 games. Avant committed to Florida.

What you don't know: Avant sings and plays the piano.

Ursuline, So., defender

Notable: TAPPS 1-6A MVP

About Garciamendez: She is a member of the under-16 national team.

What you don't know: Garciamendez is fundraising with a group that will go on a mission trip to Guatemala to help build open fire stoves.

Allen, Sr., defender

Notable: 3 goals, 12 assists

About Ricker: She was a steady presence in the back. The Tulsa signee has a powerful leg and was dangerous on free kicks from as far as the midfield stripe.

What you don't know: Ricker has won four world championships and two national championships in horse showmanship.

The Colony, Sr., goalkeeper

Notable: 82 saves, 9 goals allowed, 1 assist, 1 goal

About Corbell: Corbell, a Texas Tech signee, spearheaded a team that in its last 13 games had 12 shutouts and allowed only one goal. It had two shutouts at state.

What you don't know: Corbell likes to go deer hunting with her father.