By Katrina-Jansen Buciuni, photo editor & staff writer
Girls soccer season has finally arrived! From rainy practices to sun shining games, the girls are ready to get into action. Players are determined to win conference this season, but also develop a strong team after losing key seniors in the 2016 season.
“My expectations for the season were that this year was going to be different,” said senior Kaitlyn Koterbski team captain.
”We lost a number of key seniors, but gained many great girls as well. Last year, we did not finish as highly as we had hoped we would in conference. This year my expectations were to return to where we were two years ago when we won conference,” she said.
The drive to win conference will take pure dedication and leadership by the team captains.
“I want to be a great captain for my senior year and be that leader that younger girls could look up to,” said senior Megan Jensen, team captain.
Being apart of this team isn’t just about the girls. The coach has guided them to be the team they are today and will continue to always be there for them.
“Being a coach means so much to me. I put a lot of time and effort to develop talent, help my players with whatever they need on or off the field, assist my athletes in their academics and in finding the right college to attend, and make them better players and better people,” said varsity soccer coach Drew Baker.
The biggest weakness for the girls this season would be finding the goal. But the highlight of the season was when they beat Racine Park with a score of 10-0. It was the first time in the program’s history that they slaughtered an opponent.
“I feel like we used up most of our opportunities during this game, because the rest of the season we have not scored more than one goal in our other seven games,” said Coach Baker.
Soccer is a sport where the team becomes immensely close, where a mark can be left. The girls enjoy team bonding with pasta parties before big games to help hype them up.
“Best part of being on the soccer team is not only are you playing the sport you love and enjoy most, but you’re playing with your best friends on the field,” says Jensen.
Soccer impacts these girls on a daily basis, from the moment they step on the field to the second the cleats step off.
“Soccer impacts me in a plethora of ways. Playing soccer is one thing that I have consistently been involved in throughout my entire life, so it has become a metaphorical backbone in my life,” says Koterbski.
The opportunities they experience are something they’ll never forget and won’t be able to thank Coach Baker enough for. High school is a hard time for most people, but they knew relying on their coach would always help, the girls said.
“Something I’d tell our leaving seniors is continue to leave your mark on this program the remainder of this season, and thank you for your years of hard work and dedication to the program. I greatly appreciate everything you have given to Indian Trail, the soccer program, the coaching staff, and the players that have been with you over the years,” said Coach Baker.
“Best of luck in your future endeavors, and find passion in whatever you do. Give your best efforts, and remember what you have learned from the game, your coaches, and your teammates,” Baker said.