Soccer, known as football in the United Kingdom, is a beloved sport all across the world. For young girls, it offers not only a chance to showcase their athleticism but also an opportunity to break barriers and shatter stereotypes. As the sport grows in popularity, especially among girls, it has become a powerful platform for empowerment, teamwork, and community building.
Being on the team isn’t always easy, like most things in life, soccer too has its ups and downs, but it remains fun and rewarding for many players.
“Being part of this team means a lot to me. I love the environment and the people in it. I’m also thrilled I can have this experience. This school year has been so much easier after I have become closer with the team. From seeing them around the school as well as eating lunch with some of them,” freshman Parker Buffington shared.
Sophia Snow has been part of the team since her freshman year, and now, as a senior, she has gained valuable insights.
“Over time, I’ve learned that keeping your eyes on the long-term goal is crucial because the journey can be rough,” Snow stated. “High school soccer has also shaped my other experiences, teaching me to not lose sight of myself and to keep my backbone.”
Getting on the field isn’t always easy. For some players, music helps them get into the right mindset; for others, it’s about mental preparation.
“I try my best to get into a zone that says ‘Yes, this is supposed to be fun. But this is also work and you need to show up,’ type of mentality before a big game,” Snow said. “I know this type of mentality radiates off of me, so I try to encourage the girls to also get into a game mindset and not joke around for most of the warm-up.”
Sophomore Carmen Loo, who has high hopes of continuing soccer in college, emphasizes the importance of unity on the team.
“Being part of this team means that we all have to play for each other and work our hardest. We win together and lose together,” Loo said. “However, I also have a personal goal I have set for myself. I want to play D1 soccer in college and to achieve that: I work hard, do extra training, and reach out to college coaches.”
For younger players or anyone aspiring to join the team, Snow offers motivating advice about commitment and mental toughness.
“Being on the team is going to be hard, and you aren’t going to always get along with everyone, but if it’s truly something you want then you need to work as hard as you can when it really matters. It shows when someone truly cares about what they are doing, on and off the field, court, arena, etc,” Snow stated. “Also, don’t let a few mean comments or people ruin what you have a sight for. You’re in the lead of everything you want, so don’t compare yourselves to others, and just keep working towards that goal. Stay disciplined and on track, ignore the non-important things, and keep moving forward.”
