Girls/Boys Soccer Season
The girls soccer team had to overcome a tough preseason with lots of changes due to COVID-19. Camryn Toole, girls varsity captain, explains that “the preseason was very short and compact which gave us way less time to prepare for the real season.” This quick preseason also disallowed the older players the opportunity to create relationships and bond with the newer, younger players on the team. In addition, the girls received a new varsity coach this year. Despite all these bumps in the road, the girls soccer team was ready to get back on the field and play. Even though they had a rocky preseason, the girls were able to come together, push forward and “make this season not only a fun season” but one with “a safe learning environment for all players,” says girls varsity captain, Ella Meissner. The team was able to ban together and win many more games this season than they have in past seasons, such as winning 4-1 and 3-2 against El Toro. Meissner reflects that “even though there have been many changes to overcome, we have built closer relationships with our teammates than ever before.”
The boys soccer team faced similar challenges this year, with new COVID-19 regulations dictating practice times and affecting team relationships. Right back and striker Landon Otsuji explains that “we didn’t get as much practice because field times were reserved” by other sports that had their seasons pushed back because of the coronavirus, such as football and girls soccer. Even though the team felt less prepared than other years going into the season, as of Apr. 22nd, they are currently 2-2 in league. Many players on the team agree that their favorite part of the season so far has been their ability to simply have a full soccer season and play alongside their fellow teammates. Parker Finnegan, boys varsity captain, recalls that his favorite part of the season has been “finally getting back out on the field” with his teammates. He also added that “scoring the winning away goal against Trabuco Hills was a nice highlight as well.” The boys team is excited to finish out the season and win more games for Dana.