As the girls’ soccer season continues, the team’s atmosphere remains positive. Their current record is 6-10-2 and 3-2-1 in the league. With the goal of winning the league, qualifying, and earning a title in playoffs, the girls go onto the field with all their hard work and efforts behind them, both physically and mentally.
“Some challenges of the sport for me personally would be physical, having good ball skills and even stamina,” stated senior Aneka Zamora. “Stamina would be just because you’re running around the whole game for two halves of 40 minutes each. Mentally, I would say just being confident and not overthinking.”
Playing soccer since she was three years old, Zamora appreciates the companionship that comes with sport, and the team has built an exceptionally strong bond this season.
“The team atmosphere has been great this season,” explained the team’s coach, Luis Zamora. “[A] majority of these girls have been together since the summer, playing club ball together and preparing for the season, so this has helped with the team chemistry and atmosphere.”
The captains have ensured to keep a positive energy for the team in order to keep spirits up throughout the season and for following games. One of the captains, senior Destiny Rivera, does this by encouraging her teammates even after mistakes, alongside constructive criticism.
“I motivate my teammates for a game by trying to show positivity and excitement,” senior Lilliana Huerta states. “I think it helps set a positive atmosphere that everyone wants to be involved in.”
For Huerta, other than her teammates, her loved ones, such as family and friends, also play an important role in her journey through soccer. Their encouragement to continue working hard has kept her motivated to play throughout the years.
Even with all the positivity surrounding them, it’s also important that players find their own ways to prepare themselves for games.
“I like to listen to music and get in a good headspace before games,” shared Rivera.
Also starting soccer at the age of three, Rivera started playing because of her family, but finds that she has grown a deep love for the sport and holds a strong desire to play.
The girls’ soccer team has built a strong community within themselves and they’ll continue to use this as an advantage throughout the season.
