By Georgia Gerber ’20
-
Katie Mumford ’20 kicks a ball to warm up before the match. Credit: Casey Kim ’20/SPECTRUM
'
-
The Middle School team consists of both a red and black team. Credit: Casey Kim ’20/SPECTRUM
'
The upper and middle school girls’ soccer teams have collected many new and experienced players on their rosters this year. All teams participated in tournaments in preparation for the upcoming league games, where they gained skills as both as individuals and as team players.
The varsity team started its season strong, winning its first game of the season against Palos Verdes on Nov. 29. The team is coached by program head Richard Simms and assistant coaches Melissa Fernandez, Shannon Cross and goalkeeper coach Matt Whitcomb. This year, the varsity squad will compete in eight league matches, the first of which took place on Wednesday, though results were unavailable as of press time. To get ready for those matches, the team competed in several tournaments including the Beckman Tournament and the Texas Showcase.
“I love the opportunity that I am given daily to be challenged by my teammates and pushed to be the best I can possibly be. My older teammates display leadership, confidence and kindness, and I am so grateful to have become so close to all of them,” Lauren Elson ‘20 said.
Simms discussed the team’s ambitions for the upcoming season.
“Our main goal for the season is to keep working hard and getting better. If we do that, we should be able to peak at the right time and compete for a Mission League title and CIF championship,” Simms said.
The JV team has an overall record of 0-3-2 as of press time. Their first game was against Palos Verdes on Nov. 29 where they lost 0-2. The team is coached by head coach Gabe Robinson and assistant coach Andy Bru. The squad is composed of both middle and upper school students, providing the players with a chance to bond with upper and lower classmen. The first league game took place on Wednesday where the team played Chaminade, but the results were unavailable as of press time.
“I love the soccer community, and it has been really fun to get to know everyone on our team,” midfielder Carly Wallace ‘20 said.
Middle school girls’ soccer consists of two teams, black and red. In their practices together three times a week, they focus on skills that help prepare them for games. Head coach Haythum Mansur and assistant coach Darien Jenkins coach the black team, and head coach Samantha Green and assistant coach Gabbi Miranda coach the red team. The black team played their first game on Dec. 6 against Sierra Canyon School, where they won 9-2. The squad also played Marlborough on Wednesday, but results were unavailable as of press time. The red team played their first game against Marlborough on Dec. 7th, where the game ended in a tie of 2-2. On Wednesday, the team played Sierra Canyon, but results were unavailable as of press date.
“My goals for the season are, of course, to win, but also to become a stronger team player,” red team [position] Natalie Phillips ‘21 said.
Black team goalie Alexandra Lynch ‘21 talked about what she loves about the soccer team this year and her goals for the current season.
“I love the start of the soccer season. I am excited to represent HW, be with teammates and have fun. Our main goals are to work as a team, improve as soccer players and to win our division,” Lynch said.
