“Every year you’re going to have players that come and go, and then it’s up to the next group to step up and take the reins. I think the team this year has really risen to the occasion and I’m really proud of their performance,” Coach Ryan Johnson said.
Johnson has reason to be proud, ever since the Liberty Girls Soccer tryout results were released in late August, the varsity team has been going strong since, despite circumstances that could’ve caused a rocky start.
“We lost a lot of seniors so our team is way smaller than it was last year,” captain Malia Suehiro said.
Specifically, 16 seniors graduated from the program last year. In addition, the current league includes several 4A schools–promising increasingly difficult games. But despite these potential roadblocks the varsity team has gone on to have a current overall record of 8 wins, 2 ties, and 2 loses, with a league record of 5-2-2.
“We’ve performed well, and I’m very happy with the way the season is playing out,” captain Bella Grabowski said.
According to the captains, the flow of the team has doubtlessly contributed to the results.
“We’re learning from each other and growing with each game that we play,” captain Yazmin Peitl said.
“This year is a lot more positive and supportive overall which I believe is helping us win,” Grabowski said.
However, the team’s success cannot only be attributed to attitude and chemistry.
“There are many players who have really risen to the occasion,” Johnson said. “Namely Yasmin Peitl, who’s really solidified our backline; Bella Grabowski, who’s playing really well in the center of the field; and Morgan Ackerman, a freshman who’s performed really great. She had a hat trick a few games ago.”
Johnson also mentioned players Addie Streur, Annalisa Hall, Hazel Stayner, Kai Juniors, Chelsea Irvine, and Casey Smith.
“Our team has definitely stepped up from what it was last year so I’m excited to see how far we can go as the season progresses,” Suehiro said.
The varsity team’s league record is 5-2-2 as of October 17, currently putting them into a standing of 4th place in the King-Co Conference.
“We’re playing against stiffer competition this year, and I’ve told the girls many times that it’s really hard to win in this league, so you should be extremely happy when you get a result.” Johnson said.
