As goalie, sophomore Carlee Vassar said she has to stay on her toes the entire game. “My teammates and coaches get me to focus,” she said. “They always encourage me.”
‘Stronger In The Long Run’
Lady Raiders continue to play as one team even with multiple players injured
February 12, 2016
Girls soccer season is in full swing and the coaches are excited.
“The season has been good,” head varsity coach Carl Wiersema said. “We have a very diverse team.”
During this season, injuries have plagued the players.
“That’s something that we as a team battle through, and they’ve done a great job,” Coach Wiersma said. “We’ve only lost twice, and we haven’t had our full team healthy at one time this year.”
Wiersma said the injuries didn’t hold the team back and instead it gave them motivation to push on.
“One thing it does is make us stronger in the long run,” Coach Wiersema said. “People come off the bench and they get good playing time and develop confidence.”
The team is able to stay on track due to the four captains Makena Wood, Kayleigh Gunkel, Oby Okeke and Madison Davis.
“They are respected players that have a heart for the team and are willing to put the team before themselves,” Coach Wiersema said.“They’re a classy group. They try and do what’s right, and do it the right way.”
As a team, they enjoy their time together and make the best of things.
“We have good team chemistry,” Coach Wiersema said. “They’re all laughing and getting on their phones, texting and stuff like that. Just the laughter makes it so much fun.”
They all work hard and are able to stay on their feet through the hard times.
“I think the make-up of the team is great,” Coach Wiersema said. “They’re a lot of fun to work with and they get along, the chemistry is good.”
Coach Wiersema said the season is going great and he and the rest of the team will miss the seniors next season.
“I’m going to miss them as people and athletes,” Coach Wiersema said. “They’re very good. We’re going to definitely miss the talent. Because of all the injuries, a lot of teams would have used that as an excuse, and this group of girls doesn’t.”
Although they’re serious when it comes to their sport, head athletic trainer Coach Dan Brown said that they’re a great team to be around and to work with.
“They work hard,” Coach Brown said. “They take their sport very seriously. They take care of business and they will put you in the dirt on the soccer field.”