Both returning players and new ones have turned out for girls soccer. Their preliminary practices have allowed for them to make some inferences about how the upcoming season will go.
“The start of the season is going really well. It’s been fun getting to know all the new people, and I’m really excited to start practicing for real,” says Lasya Maganti ‘24, one of the seniors on the team this year.
The practice structure, so far, has been consistent.
“We’ve just started to practice on the turf, basically working on passing and shooting. We start having practices with Coach Huppe this week,” explains Avani Lakkireddy ‘24.
The consistency is a great way for the girls to start their season.
“We warm up, do some passing, and then some drills. We’ve also played futsal with the guys, which was fun,” adds Cam Westphal ‘25.
Unfortunately for the girls, conditioning practices will start up soon too.
“Many girls on the team haven’t played since last season, so we are working on getting those skills back. The press on practices is mainly to get the girls on the team to get to know one another. We want the freshman and new players to not have to worry in practice,” explains Sydney Georgie ‘25.
Coming off of last season, where the girls won the district championship, they’re feeling pretty confident for this season.
“It is our goal to make it to districts again for the third year in a row,” adds Georgie.
The girls certainly aren’t, however, under any delusions about an easy road ahead.
“We did lose a lot of seniors, so that will be a hole we need to fill, but overall I’m really excited for the team this year. It’s gonna be a lot of fun!” says Lakkireddy.
Many are hoping the fresh faces on the team will help fill the gap left by the seniors.
“We have many new girls trying out this year and I’m really excited to see how far they will come,” says Georgie.
Westphal is one of the new players this season. As with anything new, there are some nerves involved in joining the team. However, they have the rest of the team to help them through the process. “It’s definitely nerve-wracking doing new things, like the first day of practice and also with futsal, but everyone’s been super nice and patient. I’m also nervous for the actual season to start, but I’m sure it will go well with the support of the team.”
One of Lasya’s favorite parts about soccer is helping new players adjust to the team’s structure and learn to have fun. “I enjoy helping the younger teammates because I remember how uncomfortable it was to join the team and not know anyone. I think it’s going to be a really good season because we all get along pretty well.”
Team unity is a goal shared among many of the returning players on the team. “I think our main goal this year is to have fun and build relationships with our teammates,” says Georgie. “When I was a freshman joining the team, it was really hard to talk to the older girls because of how intimidating they were. We are trying to make a more welcoming environment within the team so that the newer girls feel comfortable coming in.”
Besides the great communication and relationships both on and off the field, “I think our defensive capabilities are definitely our strongest point,” says Lakkireddy, “with Lasya at center back and Kiley at CDM. Our wingers are also really good, especially Alina with ball progression.”
The girls are looking forward to playing Cristo Rey, Summit Christian, and KC Lutheran, as well as participating in the Van Horn Tournament.
“I’m mostly just excited to be playing with my friends and hanging out, especially on the St. Louis trip, which is always really fun. I love playing soccer, so just getting some touches in and improving what little skill I have is always a plus,” says Lakkireddy.
“We are all looking forward to going to St. Louis for the tournament and the playoffs,” adds Georgie.
“I’m excited to spend a lot of time with my friends playing a sport I love,” agrees Maganti.
We wish the girls luck for a successful season this year, and remember to come out and support them as much as you can!
