Young, improved Normal U-High soccer looking to pioneer its own story in playoffs

BLOOMINGTON — It wasn’t that long ago that Normal U-High boys soccer was holding up a Class 1A state championship trophy in boys soccer. The Pioneers reached the pinnacle in 2024, one year after falling short in the state championship game. But those trips to state were in a different class with different players. After a rebuilding year in 2025, this Normal U-High team is eager to write its own story. “I think last year was definitely a transitional period to what and who we are as a team,” Normal U-High senior Reed Kawakita said. “And I think this year,...