The UIL's biennial realignment will push Walnut Grove's dominant soccer programs into Class 6A for the 2026-27 school year, pitting the back-to-back boys state champions against the state's largest schools for the first time.
Walnut Grove's boys squad finished the 2025-26 season 31-0, claimed a second consecutive UIL 5A Division I state championship with a 2-0 victory over College Station on April 11, and extended their unbeaten streak to 60 games, according to a Prosper ISD Board presentation. The district called it a new UIL record. Head Coach Trent Kutch earned the NFHS 2024-2025 National Head Coach of the Year award. Mason Kutch was named MVP of the state championship game.
The girls program had a breakthrough season of its own. Under Head Coach Nikki Marshall, the Wildcats went 23-3-1, scored 142 goals while allowing just 13, and reached the UIL 5A D1 state championship game for the first time in program history. They fell 0-1 in overtime. Ellery Robson and Finley Pike were among players recognized at the May Prosper ISD Board meeting.
Both programs now jump to 6A.
The move means Walnut Grove will face schools with larger enrollments and resets the Wildcats' playoff path entirely. The 60-game unbeaten streak was built against 5A opponents. Walnut Grove opens 6A district play in January or February 2027.
Celina's soccer programs face a similar leap. The Bobcats move from 4A to 5A, and their non-football programs will compete in District 9-5A alongside McKinney North, Anna, Denison, and Greenville, according to the Celina Record. Celina cracked the top five in the 5A Lone Star Cup standings for 2025-26, signaling broad athletic strength heading into the tougher classification.
Prosper Richland also moves up a classification, though specific district assignments for soccer have not been announced. Rock Hill, already competing in 6A, appears set to remain at that level.
Walnut Grove won the overall 5A Lone Star Cup for 2025-26, a measure of total athletic success across all sports. Specific season schedules and district play dates for 2026-27 have not yet been released by the UIL.
