With girl’s soccer just a kick away, the team has been working hard to prepare. The girls have been attending morning conditioning and after school lifts to get back into the swing of things before their first game on March 19.
Senior Mallory Crowley reveals some specifics on the start of their preseason.
“We started after school weights Monday and Wednesdays in early January and then at the beginning of February we started our 6 a.m. fitness and futsal. It can be rough, but it is rewarding because every Wednesday we get Panera bagels,” Crowley said.
The team also prioritizes building a strong team bond through team breakfasts and pasta dinners. But not every event has to be grand, as Crowley reveals that they even bond over the little things.
“Through the pain of the fitness test or just the laughs we share after mistakes, we tend to build each other up even if we are having a tough day. We have already known each other for a while now so we already have a good amount of chemistry, but it can always get better,” Crowley said.
However, there have already been some obstacles in their way: injuries. Some players have not fully recovered from injuries that occurred during club or the previous high school season.
Assistant coach Adam Petersen highlights that they have a plan in place to put their best foot forward despite the injuries.
“Injuries always force you to adjust a little bit. We have an idea of how we want to play, but it really depends on who’s available and where our strengths are. The nice thing is we have a few players who can play multiple positions, so that gives us flexibility if we need to tweak things,” Petersen said.
Nevertheless, the team’s spirits are still high and they are persevering through these challenges. Their big goal is to play their best at the end of the season. Specifically, they hope to win their conference and to win their regional as well.
Petersen shares that a key part of achieving these goals will be their defense.
“Defensive organization and consistency will be key for us. Winning the ball back quickly, controlling the midfield and being more efficient in front of goal will make a big difference. If we stay disciplined and connected as a group, we’ll put ourselves in a good position,” Petersen said.