On any sports team, roster turnover is constant. This is especially true in high school sports, where players can only participate for four years. When players leave, there can be an outsized impact on the performance of the team. Because of this, there are always new players coming in who must quickly adapt in order to ensure the continued success of the team.
According to a senior on the team, Callie Bowes, the current HC girls’ soccer season has been impacted by a large number of new players due to the graduation of many players last year. However, Bowes is confident that the team is recovering well and has regained much of its lost experience.
“We had a good deal of new players,” Bowes said. “It took some time for us all to understand playing together. [However,] I think we have gotten to that point and we are doing well.”
Despite the growing pains, Bowes is excited to see new faces on the team, stating “We are having so many players involved in our success, and seeing people growing into their laces on the team is just so so cool.”
Along with the roster, coaching is a key aspect of any sport. While the roster this year was somewhat different from years prior, the coaching staff has remained consistent. This has been critical to the success of the team.
“My freshman year was also the first year for our head coach, Coach Haydon,” Bowes said. “It’s been quite cool to have grown with her and beside her during my high school career.”
Beyond the team’s success, Bowes is also excited for one last year to play the sport she loves. Bowes stated, “This season I am excited to play with some of my best friends. I’m trying to take in every single game, and appreciate getting to play with these girls. [It’s] crazy to think I’m a senior, and [I] just want to make this season last as long as possible.”
In the increasingly competitive world of high school sports, it’s important to remember that at the end of the day, it’s about fun. For Bowes, winning and success are important, but spending time with friends and having a great senior year are just as much so.
The team has won five of its last six games, including a 2-0 defeat of Lafayette on September 10th. The next home match is against Douglas on September 17th, and the team is hoping to extend its recent streak.
Roster changes aside, the future is looking bright for the girls’ soccer team. With a stable coaching situation and a rapidly-improving young roster, the team is prepared for success even as seniors prepare to graduate.
