Boys Soccer
Published in the
2016 Yearbook
This story's intent was to inform readers about the Boys Soccer team's goals and aspirations for their season. That topic was clearly addressed in the story, and I think the team's personality and strengths were properly shown through the gathered quotes and facts. By writing this story, I understood better the amount of work the players put into their sport and the bond shared by all the players. I learned that sports reporting isn't always just facts and stats- there are memorable and special aspects about teams that deserve to be written about, such as pre and post-game traditions mentioned in this story. With this piece, the yearbook provided another Boys Soccer story for players, fans, and readers to reflect on and commemorate another season of the sport.
Boys Soccer On a One-Way Plane to Success
Players work to accomplish both team and personal goals
One unanimous goal was at the forefront of each player’s mind as they competed throughout the season: make it back to the Final Four. And then win the State Championship. It was a goal within reach for the team and they worked diligently towards it.
The players were in shape to play their best and be successful by the start of the year by weekly meeting up in the summer to practice and condition. With a combined 50 players from the Varsity and JV teams, there was an ample amount of players ready to compete.
Nick Moore (12) was excited to be a Varsity captain and lead the team through a memorable season.
“I want to have as much fun as I can,” Moore said. “But, it would be cool to be the first senior class to win a state championship.”
Beside his goal of playing for a state title, Moore also set a personal goal to make his senior season the best it could be.
“[I want to] enjoy my time and take advantage of what [opportunity] I’ve been given,” Moore said. “[I also want to] enjoy my last season [while] making memories with my best friends.”
Nick Lantz (12) also aspired to enjoy everything about his last season, from being a Varsity goalkeeper to not having to stay late and clean up after games. Throughout the season, the team was adamant about implementing fun activities and traditional aspects into games. Lantz reflected on one tradition.
“After the national anthem for every home game, we all run to each other and all of us jump and hit each other. We all just jump around in a circle and scream at each other,” Lantz said. “It hypes us up and gives us a game mentality.”
Along with mentally preparing for a game, the team would also strategically plan out how they would play so that they would be successful in winning games and reaching their goal.
“We figure out a good formation for us, so that we can be good offensively and defensively,” Lantz said. “We want to go back to the Final Four: that’s the dream.”
The season brought new experiences and opportunities for Mitch Stephens (9). As the only Freshman player on the Varsity team, he was in a position to grow in his playing ability and get to know the upperclassmen.
“It was a fun and cool experience,” Stephens said. “The senior players were very welcoming.”
By the end of the season, the team had developed a close bond among players and they had shared in many successes. This was something Stephens cherished.
“The camaraderie with all the guys and playing together are my favorite things,” Stephens said.
Both the Varsity and JV teams had an accomplished season of not only winning games, but working to achieve their goals. They lead a legacy of hard work, commitment, and dedication- just like previous years.
“The best thing about glendale soccer is it’s all about tradition,” Moore said. “We’re playing for people who’ve played in the past.”
