With a 9–1 record, all wins except for one tied game over every conference opponent so far, the girls’ varsity soccer team is heading into the second half of their season with confidence and high expectations. Head Coach Lindsey Rost addressed that the team’s success has meant more than just wins on the scoreboard.
“Beating every team in the conference once already has been great, but there’s more to it than that. It’s the culture this team has built over the last few years that feels as if all of our hard work is paying off,” Rost said.
Team captain Gwendolyn Bruce-DeMuri said the team’s strong start has brought both excitement and pressure as more attention has been placed on the soccer team.
“This strong start has meant so much to us because girls’ soccer hasn’t done this well in a very long time. It is so cool and also a bit intimidating that we get this opportunity and that so many people want to watch us now,” Bruce-DeMuri said.
As the season has progressed, Bruce-DeMuri remarked that the team has improved its strategy and ability to adapt.
“We’ve definitely cleaned up our strategy when it comes to playing different levels of teams, and as the season goes on, we’ve understood more and more how to do this as a team,” Bruce-DeMuri said.
Even though it’s been a whirlwind of emotions, Rost explains the team’s biggest strength throughout every game.
“These girls have such a drive and a willingness to win and compete in every single game; never once have I seen them give up,” Rost said.
Bruce-DeMuri also credits the team’s chemistry and work ethic, along with Coach Rost’s intensity, for helping the team succeed. Despite the pressure of maintaining a strong record, both players and coaches remain focused on finishing the season strong.
“Coach Rost doesn’t accept anything but going full-out; this full-out mentality has pushed us to leave everything we have on the field. We are fighting hard to be conference champs and keep up our winning streak,” Bruce-DeMuri said.
With the season wrapping up, Rost reflects on how far this season has pushed her emotionally.
“I feel incredibly honored to be these girls’ coach. I am so incredibly proud of the students and athletes that they have become, and I really couldn’t coach any other girls besides these. They have such a special place in my heart. They have brought me so much joy this season, I feel as though I am back living in my prime soccer days,” Rost said.
