The Highlands Varsity Girls Soccer team walked into Northern Kentucky University’s field, their temporary home, craving a win after some tough losses. The team’s struggle for success has been frustrating for the players. Nevertheless, they marched onto the field confident and hungry for goals.
The Girls Soccer Program has faced adversity this year due to their inability to access their field during summer practices. Luckily, the team can now practice on their own field during the school year. They unfortunately have not been able to host games yet due to the construction. This early obstacle caused setbacks for the team.
“Being homeless is hard. I think it builds a lot of strength and character and I think it’s one of those faces of adversity that we dealt with really well last year, and we were super excited to come on this year and have a facility.” Coach Kelsey Etherton said.
Not only does the soccer team this year not have a home field, there has been a disruption with connections as a new coach has been brought on the team. The girls are working hard to rebuild a strong connection for future games.
“Not amazing, but I think we’re getting better each game. I think it took us a second to start to get going and figure out how to play with each other, but I think we’re getting better slowly,” Franny Smith (12) said.
The girls have worked hard to attempt to start strong this season but despite their hard work, it has not lived up to their expectations. Due to numerous injuries that have happened recently, the team has suffered and been forced to play with fewer players and new positions.
“These injuries make it hard for the team to create chemistry and of course trying new positions can be hard at first, but I believe the team will figure it out,” Cam Markus (12) said.
Nevertheless, the captains and coaches have persevered and continued to lead and encourage the team throughout this difficult time. Players have been doing their best to follow the coaches directions and continue to push hard in strenuous games.
“Both the captains and coaches have definitely given us a set forward in what we need to work on and what we’ve been doing well. And they’ve definitely given their opinions on everything that we’ve been doing,” Hailey Fritz (10) said.
Not only have the upperclassmen and coaches stepped up, but the underclassmen have done the same in a variety of ways. They have stepped up in new positions, kept a positive attitude, and worked hard to build and show the teams chemistry on the field.
“I’m really glad they’re trying to build a connection with others on the field and I think it’s really great that underclassmen have the opportunities to play and be a part of the program and something bigger at Highlands,” Loralai Manning (11) said.
On Wednesday, Aug. 27, the birds built back their spirit after their win against Bellevue. They not only mercy-ruled in the first half, but eleven different people scored, representing the unselfishness of the team.
“The win gives me a little bit more hope than what I was thinking when we first started,” Markus said.
