Winter is coming to an end with spring slowly approaching, and spring sports are finally here. Last year, the girls varsity soccer team had placed third in conference, and this year they plan to strive for more. The girls began their tryouts on March 3, the team is looking to build their on-field chemistry and dominate the conference.

Last year, the team welcomed many underclassmen to the team and adjusted their game play to better synchronize on the field. Head Coach Arturo Villamil saw the teams hard work, but knows they didn’t reach their full potential.

“We stepped up to compete, considering the majority of our athletes were underclassmen…we performed well but did not meet our potential. We came out with an even record,” Villamil said.

Senior captain Kira Oleniczak reflects on last season and the team’s accomplishments as well as areas for improvement.

“I think that we did pretty well last year considering that it was mostly a new group of girls coming in…everyone on the team did a good job at stepping into whatever position they were asked to play. Everyone was really flexible with filling in wherever…[but] I think we need to work on being more successful offensively and taking more shots on goal,” Oleniczak said. 

In order to prepare for a successful season, the team has been working hard during their off season.

“We have been preparing for this season by having open gyms and lifts twice a week as well as additional captain’s practices,” Oleniczak said.

Coming into a new season, returning players are beginning to set personal and team goals. Junior Silvia Guerrero has thought of some goals for this season, and has hopes that this year will be successful for the team.

“Last season was a bit difficult for us, so for this season I’d like to improve and win as many conference games…I want the team to put their best into each practice so we are well prepared for our games. A personal goal I have for this season is working on my confidence to improve my game play,” Guerrero said. 

Villamil wants the team to be successful, but not in the typical way of just winning lots of games. He wants the team to grow closer together and become the best versions of themselves on and off the field.

“As always, I want the girls to win, but having a successful season will only be seen by the relationships the team builds and smiles we see off the pitch…I want them to have grit when it comes to injuries, We want our athletes to be safe, but it is equally important to build a mindset that nothing can stop them,” Villamil said.