Now that tryouts are over and teams are made, the girls’ soccer team is ready to take on schools from the IHSA area. The NWN talked to coach Brett Clish about the upcoming season.

NWN: How strong is our varsity team looking this year?

Clish: “I have to say that this year we are the strongest we have been in years. The experience level is much higher which will help us in the long run.”

NWN: How many freshmen were moved up to varsity this year?

Clish: “We moved seven freshmen up to varsity this year. These girls are capable of playing at a higher level because they have been in club soccer since fifth grade. I have seen them grow, and their soccer skills will be helpful this year.”

NWN: There’s been a lot of talk about the decrease in girls playing soccer, will this affect the team this year?

Clish: “No, there won’t be any affect. The girls we have this year want to play and are willing to be involved. Our numbers aren’t down at all. We have thirty girls total on the freshmen teams, eighteen girls on junior varsity, and twenty three on varsity. I would say the teams are very equal.”
NWN: Which teams are you most worried about competing against this season?

Clish: “I’m really not that worried about many because I feel that the girls are more prepared to play higher teams this year than they were last year. But, there’s always the usual, New Trier, Evanston, Maine South, and Glenbrook South, that are  good competitors.”

NWN: Who are some players you are most excited to see contribute to the team this year?

Clish: “Definitely all the seniors because I have worked with them for so long– Molly Kleppin, Monika Sosnowka, and Michelle Karp. The sophomores Vicki Tirovolas and Veronika Sostaric, and freshman Emila Mekicevic. Truly, I just want to see everyone come together to play as a team.”

NWN: How would you like to improve the team this year?

Clish: “I would like more wins this year. Knowing how to play the game overall and move without the ball are always things the girls can work on. Also, I’d like to see more intensity in the games.”

The girls take on Glenbrook North this Thursday, Mar. 14, in their first game of the season at GBN.