Martin, Colorado Academy determined to break through in 2022

Zoe Martin scores. A lot.

The Colorado Academy junior led the state in goals (24) and overall points (64) as just a sophomore last fall. But while it was thrilling to put up those type of individual numbers at such a young age, Martin is still searching for a state championship with the Mustangs.

And she wants that team title. Bad.

“Regis is probably our best competition,” Martin said of the team that’s knocked Colorado Academy out of the playoffs the previous two seasons, including in last fall’s state championship. “This season is about learning from our mistakes from the last two seasons and moving forward and forgetting what happened.”

After averaging over a goal per game last season, Martin and the Mustangs couldn’t solve Regis goalie Mary Kate Berg in the final game of the campaign, finishing runners-up in 2021.

As one of the powerhouse programs in the state, Colorado Academy has won six state championships in the program’s history, including four straight from 2012-2015, but hasn’t won one since 2019, when Mustangs topped Regis Jesuit.

Colorado Academy hasn’t beaten Regis in almost three calendar years, but Martin and the Mustangs will have two chances to break their three-game losing streak against the rival Raiders this season – one on Sept. 17 and another in the regular-season finale on Oct. 19.

There’s no question that Martin knows how to win a state championship, she’s done it twice as a member of the Colorado Academy lacrosse team and will try to use those experiences to boost her team this fall.

Returning to the Mustangs this season alongside Martin are Anna Colpack, Sophie Brants and Ava Del Zotto, who combined for 13 goals last season. Joining them in goal will be junior Jessica Lapidus, who made 58 saves in 16 appearances as a sophomore.

Behind the bench for Colorado Academy, entering her eighth year with the Mustangs, is the Australia native Veronica Scott, whose professional playing career included a national championship in Belgium.

The Mustangs’ season begins on Aug. 28 against Cheyenne Mountain and they will play Cherry Creek two days later. Regis Jesuit is the only team the Mustangs will see twice in the regular season and both games are set to be extremely competitive matchups.

“This season I want to grow my team and hopefully make it to the state championship,” Martin said. “I want to beat Regis at some point in my high school career.”