“Have fun, win some games. Make it a memorable season,” Amelia Shafer-White.
The atmosphere is electric with anticipation. The Nathan Hale soccer team laces up their cleats, united by a shared vision: achieving success on the field while fostering personal growth as well.
“I’ve always been a serious soccer player,” said senior Kina Kosin, a dedicated player, emphasizing her unwavering commitment to the sport.
Kosin plays both forward and center midfield.
“I like the middle because I can sort of see everything,” she said, showcasing her understanding of the game and its dynamics. “It lets me be creative.”
For senior Alexis Beck, soccer has always been a significant part of her life, and being part of the high school team is an accumulation of hard work and dedication over the years. “It’s just kind of the next step after middle school,” said Beck.
As a left-side player, she emphasizes teamwork over personal preference, “I kind of chose left midfield, but then we needed more defenders as a team,” she noted. This willingness to adapt shows a collective spirit that defines the team, where individual roles often shift to meet the needs of the group.
The team’s ambitions for the season are both lofty and inspiring. Kosin articulated these goals, “We really want to make it far into the playoffs and potentially go to state.”
Pressure, which can easily throw players out of the zone also makes resilience vital.
“We also want to become a mentally tough team,” Kosin said.
With state being at the tips of their fingers, “I know a lot of people want to make it far in the tournament this year,” said Beck, with confidence they can do it.
Preparation is key and the team practices regularly to hone their skills. Practicing three days a week, focusing on possession drills and ball movement to enhance their skills and become a stronger team while at it. Beck shared that they practice every day when there is no games, emphasizing a structured routine that includes warm-ups, stretching, and fixing mistakes.
“Starts off with warm-ups, running, stretching, and then we do a lot of possession,” she said, showcasing the team’s dedication to improvement.
Team captain Amelia Shafer-White shares a vision that aligns closely with her teammates on the field.
“It’s just like getting to that point where we just like know each other really well,” Shafer-White said.
Shafer-White firmly believes that team chemistry is a cornerstone of their performance.
“Showing up to practice and doing extra stuff…like team bonding,” have been part of the team culture.
Captains like Amelia play a crucial role in providing this environment, ensuring that every team member feels valued and supported. Players are also confronted with challenges that come with competition.
“That’s something we struggle with,” Kosin admitted, acknowledging the mental hurdles that arise. “We sometimes get in our heads, but we try to stay optimistic.”
This positive mindset is crucial as they navigate a season filled with tough rivals and high-stakes matches.
“I’ve never felt big rivalry with other teams, but everyone always wants to beat Roosevelt,” said Beck, touching on the culture of rivalry and competition, where the focus remains on personal and collective growth rather than solely on winning.
Shafer-White, who began her soccer journey at six, has gained valuable insights into leadership through her experiences.
“I think it’s great,especially being captain, learning the leadership, learning when to step up.”
Her approach to motivation is both thoughtful and personalized: she understands that every teammate is different.
“If any problems come up, just working with them to get through the problems on our own,” she said, emphasizing the importance of adapting her leadership style to best support her teammates.
As the season progresses, both Kosin and White remain resolutely committed to achieving their goals. For Kosin, a primary focus is staying injury-free after facing challenges in the previous season.
“Individually, it’s about not getting injured… and building up my fitness,” highlighting the importance of physical preparedness as well as mental resilience.
Beck shares similar aspirations, wanting to make this year memorable. This dual focus on personal growth and collective success embodies the spirit of the team.
With the 2024 season closing, the emphasis on enjoyment, particularly in their final year, highlights the balance they strive for between competitiveness and the joy of playing.
“It’s my senior year so I just kind of wanted to have fun,” said Beck.
