The Selma Highs Girls’ Varsity Soccer team begins its 2023-2024 season with high motivation and energy. With a current record of 1-2, the team is prepared to take on the upcoming season that will take place throughout the months of November-February.
Last season, the girls Varsity team won the League Championship, an accomplishment that hadn’t been achieved in 15 years. This season, the team works hard as they strive to become back to back League champions as well as go further into the season by winning Valley.
They started their season off with a scrimmage against Sanger West High School, where they demonstrated teamwork to make exciting points and plays. Staying motivated is a key role in all team sports and soccer is no exception. Junior Lilliana Huerta gives insight to the way the team inspires one another.
“The team stays motivated as we all share the same mindset as to playing the best we can individually and as a team,” Lilliana Huerta shares.
Coach Zamora motivates the team by striving for a hardworking and positive environment.
“We try to focus on being positive, encouraging one another, setting goals, and making it a fun environment for them to learn and improve their skills.”
Coach Zamora is a Selma High alumnus and he aims to produce a team that unites the community.
“I got first hand experience of how great the teachers, staff members, and coaches are at Bear Nation,” explains Coach Zamora. “I am proud to be part of Bear Nation and that motivates me to make sure we have a program that not only the students and staff can be proud of but our community as well.”
Soccer is a game that requires skilled footwork, stamina, and trust that your teammates will be there for you to set up plays. All can be found in the Selma High’s girls soccer team as they work together to overcome challenges.
Reflecting upon the last season, Lilliana Huerta reveals that one way the team plans on improving is by strengthening the team’s chemistry.
“The team’s chemistry is one to work on which will only get better as the season goes on,” says Huerta. “What I’m looking to improve this season is my communication with all the girls as well as utilizing them for better gameplay.”
Senior Iraís Santos adds, “I believe that if we were on this constantly we will be unstoppable.”
This team mindset has created meaningful friendships that have allowed the team to prosper on the field. Santos shares her bittersweet feelings of playing her last year at Selma High.
“In these last three years, almost four, I’ve made a family, friends and just overall a group where I know I will feel comfortable and safe around. Knowing it’s coming to an end it’s sad but I’m grateful for every single memory and person I have met on and off the field, because they will always be part of my soccer career,” shared Santos.
A common theme found in Selma High’s Girls Soccer Varsity team is that the sport is more than just a game for them. From practice to game day, the girls are playing to their fullest potential to make one another proud. Every game is a new lesson for the team that allows them to put their best foot forward into the season.
