Varsity:
The girls soccer program at OHS has always been a force to be reckoned with, and this year they have surpassed expectations by becoming 6A Desert Valley Region Champs, a first in OC history.
Even in the face of various challenges, the team has been able to persevere and adjust to various changes. They have been able to adapt and emerge stronger and closer with one another.
“In the beginning of the season we had a lot more girls that we thought were going to be playing with us, and then it kind of just slowly dropped off with injuries, and then people wanting to just stay on club. So, it was a little inconsistent, but I think we’ve definitely picked it up and we’ve been able to fill in those places that we needed, and we’ve all just kind of bonded because of it,” said Sophia Shlicklin, senior.
Just like in any sport, athletes unfortunately obtain injuries that can be hard on both the team and the individual. One of the biggest obstacles that the team has had to face this year has been players getting hurt.
“The key injuries have been a big challenge this year,” said Josh Gibbs, girls soccer coach.
With the quick transition between club and high school soccer, it can be hard to get used to the different teammates and styles of play. This is something that the team has been able to recognize and wants to continue to improve and work on.
“I think we want to build our team fluidity a little more and kind of just build off of what we’ve been working on as a team,” Shlicklin said.
High school soccer can often pose its own challenges and issues as the two worlds of school and soccer combine, but the team has been able to come together and focus on achieving their goals for the season.
“I feel like there’s not any conflict, like socially or just in general. We’re all just on a team here,” said Kierstyn Malig, junior.
There are various different factors and pieces that come together to form a great team. Having experience in stressful situations and having already learned how to adapt and improve has helped this team find the success and results that they want.
“I think this team seems to be a little bit more mature. These girls are seniors and juniors that have kind of come through and have been in the big games a couple of years now. They understand what the big games are, so I think there’s the maturity there,” Gibbs said.
An important aspect of a team environment is being able to have fun and enjoy the season while also being able to stay focused and get the desired results; something that this year’s team has been able to efficiently achieve.
“I think the personalities this year are great. There’s a lot of outgoing personalities and I think it has really kind of made the environment a little bit more fun and lighter,” Gibbs said.
With a great record so far, and coming off of some big wins, the team is aiming high and wants to make it far this season.
“Our goals are to make the quarterfinals at the state tournament,” Gibbs said.
High school soccer gives these athletes the opportunity to play for their school and enjoy a more relaxed season where they can also find accomplishments.
“Playing soccer with friends, taking a break from club, and getting to play against your club teammates and getting to see them; it’s all just really fun and I love it,” Malig said.
JV:
With a near perfect record, the JV girls soccer team at OHS refuses to be overlooked. They are working hard to find success and win as many games as possible, while also enjoying the season and the time they get to spend together.
High school soccer is able to provide athletes with a less stressful and more relaxed environment, where they can play with different people and enjoy the break from club soccer.
“Some of my favorite parts of playing high school soccer are just being with my best friends and how it’s different from club,” said Marina Canady, sophomore.
Although the environment is less stressful, it still takes work to come together and put each individual skill set together in ways that work.
“We’ve had to work to come together and be better as a team,” Canady said.
Especially when facing teams with fluctuating ranges in skill, there are big risks of injury and it can be difficult to play together efficiently.
“The biggest challenge has been overcoming injuries, and also just coming together and working together but I think we have done a really great job at that,” said Raegan Pool, freshman.
The team environment can make or break a season, and this year the team has been able to put other factors aside and focus on playing a sport they all enjoy and love.
“I absolutely love the team environment and it’s like the best thing. Everyone is just so positive and uplifting and it’s actually really really cool,” Pool said.
