Girls soccer has officially started, and CHS could not be more excited! The talented team Coach Wayman is creating worked hard in the pre-season and is ready to hit the field in a few short days. I interviewed some veteran players, as well as Coach Wayman, to get a feel for what the team will look like this season.
I asked each player what she is excited for this season. Lilli Jensen, a senior and 4-year veteran, commented, “I’m excited to have a final season with my friends that I’ve been playing with since I was probably 7. We have a large group of seniors this year and each one is going to be a valuable asset to the team.” Tressa Kucera, a junior, stated she is most excited to “get to know other girls joining the team and just playing soccer again.”
Every season has different goals, so I asked two returning seniors what they hope to accomplish this season. Avi Arroyo, a senior, believes that team culture is more important than the gameplay aspect, saying, “I am looking for my teammates to be positive and uplifting during games and practice.” Similarly, Emersyn Jaeger hopes to feel supported, commenting, “I am looking for support from my teammates and coach. Even when I am not playing my best, just knowing that they believe in me and trust me will help.”
One thing students are always wondering: why soccer? Isn’t it just kicking a ball around toward some nets? To the amateurs (like me), that’s all it seems like. To senior Kaylea Brayton, it means so much more. “Soccer has been part of my life my whole life. I enjoy playing this sport because of the energy it gives. Soccer constantly challenges me to be better, mentally and physically. It teaches discipline, resilience, and how to push through when things get hard. Every season shapes me a little more, and that’s what makes it so meaningful to me.”
Karsyn Jaegar, a sophomore on the team, comments that her “reason” is “I mostly enjoy spending time with my friends and having fun playing.”
Finally, I spoke with Coach Wayman about his aspirations for this season. When I asked him what he expects from his team this season, he commented, “A ‘what’s next’ mindset, not getting too high on successes or too low in struggles, but focusing on how we can continue to get better each day off each action, drill, practice, game, etc. Focus on the process each day and enjoy the journey together.”
I asked why he coaches soccer instead of a different sport (so, why soccer?). He gave an incredible response, saying, “I love the sport, it is called the beautiful game for a reason. Try to show the art of it to players, to unlock their own creativity, and also teach some critical life lessons that only soccer can teach, sometimes harshly. It is something I have always done and love imparting my knowledge on the next generation of players and future coaches so they can leave the sport better than when they first started.”
Finally, when I asked for one goal for next season, he claims he wants to be a part of at least one district game for the 6th season in a row. An amazing goal for this team, and one definitely achievable with the girls’ values.
If you are thinking about joining this incredible team, act before it is too late! Talk to Coach Wayman in room G138 or by email at [email protected] .
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