Varsity Boys’ Soccer has confidently prepared for the 2024-2025 season by training and exercising their team’s skill according to Coach Mike Fenton.
After making it to the third round of the AIA 6A state playoffs, but losing 16 seniors, the team is working harder than ever to maintain last year’s skill and compatibility.
Since the team will be facing challenges this year, it’s important to the team to be able to depend on each other.
“The community our team brings is second to none, allowing every player, regardless of level, to thrive and feel welcomed,” said Senior Gavin McPhail.
With many players leaving last year, they must be dedicated to the team and be willing to put in the effort it takes to have an effective season.
“I want to help our program get as far into the tournament as we can and make our season as successful as we can make it,” said Junior Jake Keebler.
It is important for sports teams to have good compatibility with each other and the boys soccer team emulates just that.
“I consider them all as trustworthy people that give me good advice,” said Freshman Ryan Iversen.
Although the team has gone through big changes, they must believe in each other’s ability to achieve success.
“The team is young this year but we have tons of potential and I’m looking towards being a great team this year,” said McPhail.
Having more underclassmen be a part of the team has made it a more inclusive environment with different dynamics that other players are able to learn from.
“Practice has been really fun ever since [Coach Fenton] has been able to integrate all the levels,” said Sophomore Nahder Seyoum.
This team is starting fresh from previous teams due to a majority of the team graduating.
“We only have 5 seniors compared to 18 seniors last season,” said Varsity Coach Mike Fenton.
Just because some players have graduated doesn’t change the connections that have been made between current players.
“After the seniors left, the mentorship left with them but many people have stepped up into the leader position and were able to take charge,” said Seyoum.
Players that were training with the upperclassmen last year have been influenced by them and are looking forward to continuing the tradition left behind.
“I was able to grow and learn from the upperclassmen last season, and this year having a team mostly full of juniors I hope to be a role model for younger players,” said Keebler.
With players striving to be the best version of themselves, the team is radiating with positivity.
“Our seniors were amazing last season, but our new seniors [and many juniors] have stepped up accordingly. We have incredible energy and we’re ready for the season,” said Fenton.
