The girls’ soccer team is looking to make it far this season, heading towards the state championship. With them not going as far as they wanted the last two seasons, no one can stand in their way this year. The girls practiced all summer and are ready to go all the way.
The girls are calling it their “Revenge season,” senior Isabelle De St. Aubin said. They have been putting in the work over the summer and in the season to be the best team they can be.
After making it to the state tournament in 2022 and winning the championship, the girls have fallen short in the last 2 years by not winning their conference to make it to state. This year, they are coming for it all once again.
“We want to get back to the state championship game if we can get there, anything can happen,” Mike Huber, the girls’ head soccer coach, said.
Everyone on the team has a winning mentality. After the last two seasons, no one is willing to give up, even when the games get tough. They push through and give it all they’ve got.
Team culture can play a big role in a team’s success. The girls have developed an amazing team culture this year. It does help that 10 out of their 17 seniors have been playing on varsity together since freshman year. This has helped build great connections on and off the field. Huber also helps his team build their strong team culture by planning activities for them.
“We try to incorporate a fun team-building activity into every practice, which not only builds competitiveness, but also a strong team culture,” Huber said, making the team like one big family.
When games start to get hard, the girls know their teammates are there to help them no matter what.
“We try to keep it positive and lift each other up,” De St. Aubin said. “I firmly believe that positivity and encouragement help way more than negative comments.”
This makes for a very positive environment, making everyone feel welcomed, and they all have someone they can talk to when things get hard on and off the field.
The season can get long and repetitive. This is how coach Huber keeps the girls motivated and focused every day.
“We constantly remind them of their ultimate goal in the season, and to remember the disappointment they felt when their two previous seasons ended a bit earlier than they wanted. We also try to remind them of all the things that have gotten them to where they are, and that we just need to improve game after game if we want to be in that state final. We also, once in a while, try to bribe them with days off from practice if we perform well,” Huber explained.
Coaches play a big role in a team’s success. Huber and coach Dusty Dennis are a great duo. They are the glue to the team; the girls know Huber and Dennis are always there to support them, no matter what.
“Mike and Dusty work really well together. They kind of balance each other out. They always focus on making us work better and do better. They always have the best thoughts in mind for us,” Surgener said.
The Ponies have started their season strong, not backing down to any competition that comes their way. The girls have made a team that is built on strong connections and motivation to see everyone succeed and accomplish their goals together. The girls have been playing so well together; their 13-1 record proves it. They can capitalize on this momentum, which might put them in a great spot to not only win a conference title but even be in the running to win a medal at the state tournament.
