As a new spring season approaches, girls soccer is geared and ready to go.

The girls varsity soccer team has been preparing for their upcoming season for the past month. Coming back to a “normal” season after facing the difficulties of pandemic restrictions, the team is excited to come back into full force.

“I’m really excited to be back with my teammates this year because our teams’ chemistry is so strong and has improved a lot throughout the off-season. I’m looking forward to making more memories with them this season as well as getting those dubs,” senior Abbey Adams said.

As known, Niles West plays in one of the toughest conferences in all of Illinois as most teams in the conference have ranked in the state for various sports. This doesn’t deter the teams’ mentality or ability to play at all, it actually encourages them to play harder.

“We are probably in the top 3 conferences in Illinois when it comes to soccer. Building confidence and a stronger team camaraderie will greatly impact our ability to compete this year,” girls’ varsity soccer coach, Arturo Villamil said.

The challenge of being in the CSL only enhances the athletes motivation to bring their A-game on and compete with some of the best teams in the state. “Our goal is to beat two teams in our conference and compete to win in every game. Last year, we tied one team in our conference. That was our best chance at a win in our conference,” Villamil said.

Preseason work has been an important part of maintaining not only skills but chemistry within the program. Preseason is all about preparation and there’s no doubt that the girls have been putting in the work.

“Preseason is important for a lot of reasons. For our team, it’s a great way to build and maintain chemistry that we’re really proud of as a program. In terms of the actual soccer part of it, it’s perfect to get some touches on the ball and start getting in the soccer shape that we’ll need in order to be able to compete against teams in the CSL,” junior Mia Cejovic said.

It’s abundantly clear that the girls won’t be stopped at any inconvenience because they’re a determined bunch ready to shock the CSL. All the hard work they’ve put in during the preseason will show this season, especially with our home crowds watching!

The girls’ first home game will be on Mon., March 21st against Senn High School at 4:30 p.m. Bring your friends, family and whomever else might enjoy the game because you don’t want to miss out on their season!