VIRGINIA BEACH, Va (WAVY) — Staying at the top of the world is so hard, especially when you reach the top for the first time in a long time.

Kellam’s girls soccer team reached that pinnacle last season by capturing its first VHSL state title since 2005. The Knights are always a power, but graduating 11 seniors from that championship-winning roster would make it reasonable to expect a bit of a rebuild.

No shot.

These Knights are HOT, starting the year out with a 9-0 record, all while outscoring their opponents 36-1.

“Girls stepped up and filled the shoes of the incredible class we had last year. The Seniors want to be back so bad, it made my job easier,” said longtime Kellam head coach Mario Hurdle.

And national outlets have taken note of this team’s ability to step up. After knocking off teams such as Norfolk Academy and First Colonial during this unbeaten stretch, MaxPreps ranks the Knights as the top team in Virginia, and the 28th ranked team in the country.

“I think we’re one of the best teams in the country, and we have the players to be so successful,” said senior midfielder Bailey Campbell.

And that’s an incredibly impressive mindset to have when you consider how this Kellam squad has pulled up JV players who are now making an immediate impact on the varsity level.

Hurdle called it a brand new team. While the literal players on the field are newer faces on the field, the level of play feels just as elite.

“We were very direct and physical last year, but this year, we possess a lot more with creativity in their play,” said senior center back Brooke Owens. “I think this team is a team that will go and repeat because of the mentality. We all figure it out as a team, not by ourselves.”

This group was doubted by some to be back in this position, but the belief around the locker room tells you that the expectation is the same as it is every year. Push for a state title, and now, push for back-to-back state titles in Class 5.

“Our goal is to get back to the state tournament,” Hurdle said, “and then we’ll see what happens.”