The girls’ Varsity Soccer team looks very different from last season in the construction of the roster, as ten of the nineteen players are in eighth grade or freshmen.

Captain and senior Emma Shirzad is the lone senior on the team, and with such a young team, she has looked to be a leader.

“Being the captain of such a young team, I’ve really tried to set an example for all of them,” she said. “A lot of the younger classroom also play travel soccer, so all I’ve been trying to do is give them encouragement to build their confidence. I expect myself to set a positive example for everyone so they can do the same when they are in my position.”

However, the youth of this team has not had caused the team to be worse.

“We have a lot more travel players this year so overall I think we have been able to work together better then years past,” Shirzad said.

Last season, the team went 6-6-2 and lost to Oxbridge Academy 2-0 in the District’s Championship game. Shirzad expects that the team can make it farther into the postseason by winning districts.

Like many other sports, the team was subject to a mandatory two-week quarantine due to close contact with a player from an opposing school who had COVID-19. However, the effects of the quarantine haven’t been harsh on the team.

“In times like this, we tried not to dwell over [the quarantine] and just looked at what we needed to do so it wouldn’t make that big of an impact,” Shirzad said. “We all worked out and got touches on the ball during the two weeks, and so far it really hasn’t shown any effects on our abilities as a team.”

The girls’ varsity soccer team may be young, but they are still looking to compete this season and for years to come. Rebuilding the team was the first step in their journey and they are ready for more challenges as the season progresses.