They win. A lot. If you spend any time around Allendale or the North Jersey high school sports scene, you know the deal with Northern Highlands girls soccer. It isn't just a "good" program; it’s basically a factory for trophies and Division 1 scholarships. People talk about the dynasties in pro sports, but what Tara Madigan built—and what the program continues to sustain—is honestly a bit ridiculous when you look at the raw numbers.
Winning isn't a fluke here. It’s a culture. It’s the kind of environment where a freshman walks onto the turf and realizes that losing isn't just rare; it’s practically against the rules of the universe. They’ve had seasons where they didn't just beat teams; they dismantled them. We’re talking about a program that once held a national record for an unbeaten streak. 88 games. Just think about that for a second. That’s four years of high school where nobody—not a single team—could figure out how to put more balls in the net than them. It’s wild.
The Northern Highlands girls soccer standard and why it’s so hard to replicate
You can’t just buy this kind of success. Plenty of schools have nice facilities and parents who can afford private trainers, but Northern Highlands has something different. It’s a mix of geography, coaching, and a weirdly intense internal competition. When you have 40 or 50 girls showing up who could all probably start for other Varsity teams in the county, the practices become harder than the actual games.
Most people think it’s just about having the best athletes. Sure, that helps. But if you look at the 2023 or 2024 rosters, you see a specific type of tactical discipline. They don't just kick and run. They play out of the back. They press. They suffocate you. It’s a system. Whether it’s a legendary name like Hana Kerner or more recent standouts who are heading off to the Ivy League or the Big Ten, the names change but the result usually stays the same. They find a way to win the Bergen County Tournament, and then they usually make a deep run into the North 1, Group 3 state sectionals.
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It’s actually kinda funny watching other coaches try to game-plan for them. You see teams sit eleven players behind the ball, praying for a 0-0 draw or a lucky counter-attack. It rarely works. Eventually, the Highlanders find a gap.
Breaking down the coaching philosophy
The transition from the Tara Madigan era to the current leadership was supposed to be the "weak point." Critics thought the dynasty might flicker out. It didn't. The program has maintained its identity because the expectations are baked into the middle school and club levels long before these girls even put on the high school jersey.
- Year-round commitment: Most of these players are competing at the ECNL or GA level during the "off-season."
- Tactical flexibility: They can play a 4-3-3 or a 3-5-2 depending on the opponent, which is rare for high school kids to master.
- Mental toughness: They don't panic when they go down a goal. Honestly, they rarely go down a goal, but when they do, the response is usually immediate.
What people get wrong about the Bergen County rivalry
Everyone loves to talk about the "Big Three" or "Big Four" in North Jersey. You’ve got Immaculate Heart Academy (IHA), Ramapo, and Northern Highlands. It’s a shark tank. If you’re a fan of Northern Highlands girls soccer, the Ramapo game is the one circled in red on the calendar. It’s more than a game. It’s about neighborhood bragging rights and, usually, the top seed in the state rankings.
Some fans think the private schools have an unfair advantage because they can "recruit." But Highlands is a public school. They’re doing this with kids who live in the district. That’s the part that really stings for the opposition. They aren't bringing kids in from three counties away; they’re just developing the talent that’s right in front of them better than anyone else.
The pressure is real, though. I’ve talked to former players who say that the hardest part isn't the physical training. It’s the weight of the jersey. You don't want to be the class that "let the streak end" or the group that didn't bring home a trophy. That pressure either breaks you or turns you into a champion. At Highlands, it’s usually the latter.
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Why the 2024 and 2025 seasons changed the conversation
Lately, the competition in Group 3 has gotten stiffer. Schools like Wayne Hills or even some of the Central Jersey powerhouses have closed the gap slightly. But "closing the gap" just means Highlands wins 2-1 instead of 4-0. The 2024 season showed a lot of grit. They had to deal with injuries to key midfielders, yet the bench depth was so deep that the drop-off was almost unnoticeable to the casual observer.
The scouting reports emphasize their transition play. If you lose the ball in the middle third against them, you’re dead. They turn defense into offense faster than almost any high school team I’ve ever seen. It’s basically clinical.
How to actually get recruited from a program like this
If you're a parent or a player looking at this program, you have to realize that being a starter at Northern Highlands is basically a golden ticket. College coaches at every level—from NESCAC D3 schools to the ACC—keep tabs on this roster.
- Get on the radar early. Don't wait until junior year. Start filming your games as a freshman.
- Focus on the "unseen" work. Coaches know you can dribble. They want to see if you can track back on defense when you’re tired in the 70th minute.
- Highlands reputation matters. A "role player" at Highlands might be a star somewhere else. Use that pedigree to your advantage.
Success here isn't just about the wins on the scoreboard. It’s about the fact that these girls are prepared for the next level. They understand how to watch film. They know how to take a scouting report and apply it. They're basically mini-pros by the time they graduate.
Practical steps for players and parents
If you’re moving into the district or your daughter is coming up through the youth ranks, there are a few things you should actually do to prepare for the reality of Northern Highlands girls soccer.
First, get comfortable with competition. Your best friend on the team is also the person trying to take your spot. That’s just the reality of a top-tier program. It’s not personal; it’s just the level. Second, prioritize conditioning. The Highlands style of play requires a massive engine. If you aren't fit, you won't play. Period. The speed of play is much faster than club soccer because the intensity is higher.
Finally, show up to the games. Even if you don't have a kid on the team. If you want to understand why they are so good, watch their movement off the ball. It’s a masterclass in spacing and support.
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The dynasty isn't showing signs of slowing down. While other programs have "rebuilding years," Northern Highlands just reloads. It’s a testament to the community, the coaching staff, and the kids who are willing to put in the work when nobody is watching. If you’re going to bet against them, do so at your own risk. They usually make people regret it by the time the state finals roll around in November.
To stay ahead of the curve, keep an eye on the NJ.com rankings and the North Jersey High School Sports threads, but more importantly, watch the freshman and JV games. That’s where the next three years of dominance are currently being built.