The girls soccer team is having a successful season with a current record of 4-4.
There are 20 athletes on varsity with mostly upperclassmen leading the team. Four freshmen managed to skip over JV and go straight to varsity for their first year of high school soccer.
Making varsity was only the first of their challenges.
Being much younger than the rest of the girls, these four had their work cut out for them. They not only had to step up their game, but had to learn how to fit into the bonds that their teammates had already made.
“I feel like I always need to ‘play up’ to the older girls,” freshman Jenna Beechler said. “Being one of the youngest players on the team, I always feel looked down upon, like I’m not good enough to be playing with them. But I made the team, so clearly I’m doing something right.”
High school soccer is much different than a team outside of the school or even in middle school. The sport is much more competitive and demanding of its athletes. This could potentially turn away some players, but in order to be considered for the team during tryouts, you have to willingly be ready to play up to the part.
“I was ready to be challenged with a new experience of playing on a high school team,” freshman Jocelyn Hendricks said.
As for coming to terms and facing these new challenges, looking up to the older girls and remaining focused through it all was extremely impactful on the younger ones.
“Train, train, train,” Beechler said. “Don’t go to practice messing around. Put real effort in and you will get REAL results. Also, juggle. It helps.”
The challenge proves to always be worth it to those who are dedicated and truly love the sport.
“It may seem super scary to begin with but trust me [you will] have the time of your life,” Hendricks said.
The girls are extremely proud of not only making varsity, but also how far the have come as people and as athletes from being on the team. Both Beechler and Hendricks have overcome difficult challenges just to be on the team and experience the sport they love in a different aspect.
“[Soccer is] really special to me because it’s always been a part of my life,” Beechler said. “I’ve played it for as long as I can remember, and I honestly really have a good time when playing it. I don’t think I would enjoy any other sport as much, ever.”
