As the announcer calls the players onto the field, it may be surprising to hear that all of them are seniors; with their age and experience causes the other teams to step up their own game.
Even between the ranges of ages, everyone has an equal chance to play. But the competition may be more if there are a majority of seniors on the team.
There are eleven seniors on the average of 25 slots for the varsity girls’ soccer team at WS. Normally there is not a lot of seniors on a Varsity team each year, there is an occasional 4-7, but 11 is not very frequent. The number opens a chance for more underclassmen to try out with a likely chance of making the team next year, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be a reason to not do ones best.
“We make sure everyone gets to practice [on time and it is required that] everyone works and are ready to work,” said senior Caitlin Herron on the expectations for being on the team.
The competition that each player has to play in a game is high, but everyone gets a chance to play if a substitute has to go in for another player.
“Go to all of the practices, in order to miss [one needs] a note and can’t play if they miss a practice without a note,” said senior Ashley Diamond.
“Not all seniors are going to play by default,” said Herron to explain that all players have the chance to start in a game if they work hard enough.
It isn’t all about battling for the spot during practice; there is also an effort for each team member to be friends.
“We have team building exercises, we are all really good friends and get along very well,” said Herron.
Sometimes there are activities that the team does outside of practice and games to bond. Activities like a team sleepover or getting food after or before a game.
“There is leadership for the underclassman during drills [from the seniors],” said Diamond.
This year everyone is expecting no less than to strive to do well, no matter the number of seniors. It is a team; no grade is singled out to be the better of the others. Everyone is special in their position and that is what makes a team. Through challenging each other to play first in the game, to the effort to become close friends and a family grade does not matter. But for those trying out this season and in the future here are a little words of advice from one senior to the underclassman;
“Don’t freak out, do your best, show off what you can do, don’t worry about the other players, and relax,” said Diamond.