“One, two, three, Kodiaks,” Teyva Dillon (11) whispers as the Kodiak girls' soccer team huddles together before a big game. “One, two, three, as one.” Suddenly the Cascade girls' soccer team called out in a roar, the cheer silenced the other team. Stepping out onto a cold field under bright lights are the Kodiaks: powerful players who are ready to dominate. The second the whistle blows the Kodiaks are using their offensive skill to steal the ball. Tensions are high on the field as the ball gets tossed around. What will happen next?
Throughout this soccer season the Cascade girls soccer team has had their ups and downs. The preseason began with some tough losses, but by the end the girls were celebrating their status as second place in the league championship. The Kodiak girls worked hard to always play their best. Even on their worst days Kodiaks persisted, practiced and played hard.
In addition to the development of the team, many individual players honed their skills. “I had a lot of personal development because I learned to be not so scared of the whole game, being a new player and everything. That was a really good goal that I accomplished,” exclaimed Mia Dries (11). Many of the players on the girls' soccer team accomplished goals this season, including slide tackling and making good crosses.
This season was different than others, due to the new coaching of the girls' soccer team. Jaime Lamb is the new head coach for the lady Kodiaks. With many years of goalkeeping and soccer playing under her belt, she is well equipped for the job. While still making her team work hard, she still reserved time for teambuilding and visualization before games.
At first some members of the team were skeptical of a new coach after Javier Reyna, the former girls coach, left at the end of last season. “I was kind of worried, I didn’t really expect much, but at the same time I expected a lot because Javi set the expectations really high,” said Adi Casteneda (10). After time though the girls adjusted well to Jaime.
“I think as a team we adjusted to the new coach and found our new rhythm and chemistry together and we grew a lot,” explained Savanna Rowles (11).
Through this season and many before, the Kodiak girls' soccer team has used their teamwork skills to dominate on and off the field. Due to the positive outlook of many girls on the team, there was very little conflict between players. “Definitely different from dealing with the boys (soccer team) and it was a great new experience for me, and I'll be glad to somewhat do it next year,” said Damian Sandoval (11), the girls' soccer team’s manager.
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