The girls’ varsity soccer team starts the season with new pride and ambition. Hoping to hold up their Championship crown for another year, they competed against Fowler High School on November 21st, on their own territory. They took on the victory with a score of 3-0, with freshman Ebony Roberts scoring one goal and sophomore Starlette Ordonez making two. For now, they are undefeated in the league with two wins and zero losses. Not only have these wins brought them ambition, but also brought them a sense of togetherness.
“This team isn’t just a team. It’s a group of girls who treat each other like sisters knowing the season is just behind us is super exciting,” exclaims middle fielder Katie Reyes.
Soccer for these girls is just not a game, but a sisterhood that is built on sweat, celebration, and aching legs after a night of hard practice. They struggle together, win together, lose together, and laugh together. They make lasting memories with each other that will stay with them all their lives.
“The team feels like another family I have,” expresses lead defender Maryjane Ortega. “ I feel all of us are ready for this season and just ready to win games and make some fun and amazing memories with each other.”
They have built a bond on and off the field. By giving each other hair ties, water, and food during the long bus rides to their matches, they share a sense of sisterhood and security within the city.
“There’s just an amazing chemistry between all the girls and us,” says Reyes. “It’s like a family, even with the coach, he always wants the best for us, and we are more like a family. We all make sure everybody is comfortable and connects with everybody. Nobody is left out.”
The field is a way for some of the girls to escape from stress and pressure from school and home. It is a way to gain life-lasting bonds. It is a family that brings positive ambition and encouragement to the field.
“I feel a strike of happiness knowing soccer season is coming ahead. It’s a surreal feeling knowing I’m able to go every day at 6 o’clock and put on those cleats to go play,” states Reyes.
They practice all week in the cold fall and winter days, excited to play with each other. They help advise each other to improve their skills, equipment, and relationships. The upperclassmen players are older sisters that some of the newerclassmen never had.
This bond ties the team closer together and a step closer to victory.
