As the UMA girl’s soccer team’s season comes to a close, the players, coaches, and many… many managers reflect on what they have accomplished. The team has undergone some new and different changes and accomplishments within the team, ranging from developing a nationally ranked goalie to the first freshman captain to be appointed on the team.
“I think the season was a great improvement from last year,” said Coach Nick Lopez, Head Coach of the soccer team. “We had a lot of new faces and a great core with veteran leadership which helped with our success.”
Out of the 17 games that were played this season, one game held significance over all the rest of them. “My favorite moment was the dramatic win over North Summit,” Coach Lopez said. “After 120 minutes of play, it was settled in a PK shootout that had everyone at the edge of their seats. There were a lot of emotions during that game, and I’m glad we won it.”
The girl’s soccer team was able to celebrate many small victories–even if they’re not wins on paper. For example, the team’s goalie had earned honors, 1st in State and 13th in the Nation. “Honestly, it’s a great feeling to be 13th in the Nation. It’s one of my best accomplishments ever.” Taylor Waite, who is the team’s main goalie, said. “I hope to get even better in the future, and I really enjoy playing for the school.”
“I am extremely proud of Taylor,” Coach Lopez said about the team’s goalie. “It is not an easy task to rank, but her work ethic and dedication to her position and her sport is what set her apart.”
Taylor wasn’t the only accomplished member of the team–truly, all of them had achieved one sort of goal by the end of the season. One of the more prominent ones though was the surprise of appointing a first-year soccer player and freshman, Erin May. “I appreciate Coach putting so much effort and time into the team.” Third Captain Erin May said, “It showed me really how dedication really pays off.”
“Erin is a special player and outstanding leader. She’s the first freshman captain I’ve ever picked.” Coach Lopez said. “Some of that thought that went into picking her was her work ethic, her determination, and her relentless desire to improve. She was normally the first one there and the last one to leave. She never complained about anything. She came and did the work to the best of her ability. She really is the embodiment of our motto, ‘Nothing is given, everything is earned’!”
The team can also revel in the fact that they were all closely bonded together after the season. Having to play 17 games together meant 17 bus rides, and most of ended with a fun dinner out. Memories were created there that cannot be replicated elsewhere. “I think that we have improved a lot of our emotional bonds with each other since last year,” commented returning player, Rylee May.
The team can collectively agree that this year couldn’t compare to the rest–veterans and newcomers combined. “This team was special,” Coach Lopez said. “There was a lot of adversity we had to overcome in the early parts of this year. By the end of the season, this has been the tightest group of players I have seen in the four years of coaching the girls. They were all extremely devoted to one another.”
Head Captain, Jacky Alveranga, finished the season and earned a soccer scholarhsip.
Coach Lopez concludes, “Every practice and game was a new opportunity for them to succeed. I am extremely proud of this team and I can’t wait to see what the future holds. We are only losing three seniors and keeping the other twelve. Our captains were outstanding in their duties. Assistant coaches were amazing for holding up the team. I couldn’t have asked for a better team.”
