Despite a disappointing final score (0-1), the varsity girls’ soccer game held on Wednesday, Jan. 8 game left spectators and players in high spirits as Buc nation celebrated the squad’s five seniors: Vanessa Zito, Gabriella Gambale, Sam Woods, Natasha Yedinak, and Emily Simon.
These five girls have all spent years with each other and the sport. They all share a deep love and appreciation for the time that they have put into the team.
“Since it’s my fifth year on the team, I was really looking forward to this because the last four years have been very special for me. I was really happy that I was able to celebrate that with the people that I grew up playing soccer with,” shares Zito, the team’s right winger.
Another senior player agrees with Zito and recognizes how much the other members mean to her. “It’s also going to be pretty difficult letting go of the sport and the team that I’ve played with my whole life. I love playing with all of the girls and I couldn’t ask for a better group to be playing with for my last season,” says Sam Woods.
Allowing these students to be highlighted and walk on the field with their families gives them a way of feeling appreciated for all of the work that they have put into their sport over the years.
“I really loved having my family there on senior night. It was truly a blessing for them to see me play and cheering me on in the stands,” claims Gabriella Gambale.
Woods seconds this idea and shares, “It was really nice to have people that have not only supported me throughout my soccer career but my entire life.”
The night honored the on- and off-field accomplishments of the players, highlighting the impact that athletics has had on their development as citizens.
“I think that I’ve probably gained just as much on the field as off the field. From really just being there for my teammates to learning how to approach different scenarios with an open mind. I’ve learned that there are different ways to solve a problem other than the solution that is just right in front of you,” once again says Zito.
The lessons from playing a sport are never-ending as many players can attest. These girls have learned life-long skills that can be put to use throughout college and even into their careers.
“Because I have spent so much time playing soccer, I have been offered to play for Everton, an international team in Liverpool, England, as well as meeting countless coaches and friends through playing for my own club and against other teams,” explains Natasha Yedinak, who served as joint captain with her senior teammates.
Head Coach Hillary Carney agrees that her players have grown over the years into the people that they are today. She hopes that the seniors question themselves and yearn to improve.
“It’s a very important senior class that we are leaving even based solely on their leadership. I try to get them to understand that mistakes are going to happen in the world and so what’s your response and how do you set yourself up for success?” explained Coach Carney.
The boys’ varsity senior night celebration took place on Friday, Jan. 10 and was the precursor to a winning game against Vero Beach. The end result of the game was 5-0 with all 5 goals by senior Ford Cash.
The seniors on this team include Chase Bennett, Ford Cash, Giancarlo Di Leo, Gavin Gelinas, Dillon Hoban, Maddox Hoffman, Wes LaBanz, Mikkel Sen, Sean Sheehan, and Jake Weinberg.
“Senior night was an amazing experience. It was fun being with my family and the boys. I’ve learned how to be a better teammate and a bunch of lessons on the field that translate to my life off the field,” says senior Ford Cash.
The game proceeded after a celebration of the team including their family and crowd of friends who have seen them grow throughout high school.
“It was really awesome to have my family at senior night especially because I got to start for that game since I’m a senior even though I usually would not,” shares Jake Weinberg.
In addition to the excitement following the win, the team experienced a myriad of feelings about nearing the end of a season.
Seniors like Maddox Hoffman reflected on their time as a Buccaneer with graciousness and love: “Soccer has been an important part of my life for a long time as I have played since I was five-years old. It has given me many friends and memories that I will hold onto forever.”
The seniors reflect on their favorite memories as a team throughout their years.
“Winning district finals last year against Oxbridge and scoring two goals was really the most memorable part of my four years,” says Hoffman.
“When we won regional semifinals my freshman year, that was one of the greatest experiences of my life and also we ended up going to regional finals. Even though I didn’t play too much in those games, it was still really amazing,” shares senior Giancarlo DiLeo.
The boy’s soccer senior night gave everyone an opportunity to support the team and acknowledge the great successes that they have reached and the challenges they have overcome.
“The hardest part of playing soccer, for me, is that its only my second year on varsity. Some of the chemistry adjustments that Ive had to endure have been kind of difficult but its been fixed since I’ve gotten to know a lot of the guys better. A lot of my friends who I’ve grown up with have helped me assimilate to the team,” says Wes LaBanz.
