The season for the Groves varsity girls’ soccer team is in full swing. The athletes have been working hard since March to get ready for this year. With a new coaching staff this year, the team has had to work hard to show their talent. With many returning players from last season, these falcons are ready to take the field and dominate. So far, the team is being led by upperclassmen, especially the seniors. Senior captain Camryn Pepper has high hopes for this season.
“Our goal this season is to do as well in the league as possible, and win as much as we can going into districts,” Pepper said.
Pepper considers how close the team is, on and off the field, to be one of their greatest keys to success.
“Our chemistry is really good. The team has a great relationship off the field, and on the field we always try to stay positive and build eachother up. It is different because there isn’t as much pressure. I feel like I can try new things and I won’t get judged if I make a mistake,” Pepper said.
With a coaching change this year, it can be hard to stay positive and connected with your team. The Falcons have made sure to keep their cool even when things have not gone their way.
“At the start of the season I think we had some trouble finding a formation and a lineup that works best for us. But we got through it by taking the first few games to see what worked and what didn’t, so we figured out what we needed to fix,” Pepper said.
Being a part of a team is not always easy, everything is not going to go the way you want it to every time. But the way the team handles themselves when things are not going their way separates the good from the great.
“It can be really hard to stay motivated after a bad day. I try to focus on the next game or practice and learn from what went wrong. Having supportive teammates is also huge after having a bad game,” Pepper said.
Having a positive mindset is one of the most important things in sports. When you are in the right headspace, you can calm down and play loose, you are then less likely to make a mistake. It is also important to fuel your body with proper nutrients to ensure that you will have enough energy to compete to your very best.
“I always try to listen to music before I go and on the way to a game. I always try to eat something before that will give me energy but is not too heavy,” Pepper said.
All the hard work these Falcons have put in has been paying off, with a 5-4 record you can tell that the team is full of talent. With many graduating seniors this year, the future of the team is in the hands of all the underclassmen. These younger players are continuing to work hard to prove their position on the team. With only three home games left this season, the team hopes to end the season with a bang and win as many more games as possible.
