Quickly pivoting, junior Sophia Maldonado feels the rough turf underneath her cleats. As she moves, she reflects on the changes the team faced. They practiced in new ways, played in new formations and had new players. That didn’t stop them from having a great season and striving to make the playoffs.
“My personal goal is a goal for the team, and it’s to be first in district this season,” junior Sophia Maldonado said.
To complete this goal, the team needed to navigate through many changes. One of those changes being playing in a new district.
“I feel like the new district is now a bit more on an even playing field. I feel like there’s good teams but there isn’t much of a gap in skill,” Maldonado said.
They didn’t just play brand new teams, they also changed to a more offensive playstyle. Last year they stuck with their typical defensive formation but this year they’re more offensive playing a 3-4-3. With three defenders, four midfielders and three forwards.
“It’s made a difference in the way we play. We’re playing with more of an attacking mindset this year,” Maldonado said.”Some of the people’s roles have changed because we’ve never played these positions before so it’s new to everyone.”
Along with all of this, the team faced injuries which caused players to move from JV up to varsity. One of those players was freshman Eva Pica.
“A lot of people have gotten hurt. I know JV had to play down a player and people have gotten moved up to varsity because of it.” Pica said.
With these sudden changes, Pica was forced to quickly adapt to playing with varsity.
“It’s different, definitely a lot different,” Pica said.”It’s more competitive, on JV you can mess around a little but on varsity you have to step up your game.”
Her teammates have been one of the key factors that help her with this adjustment.
“The teammates have been good, they’re very welcoming,” Pica said. ”But I’ve played with them before, everyone’s nice and they’re all like family.”
Her teammates supported her, and they believe she’s earned it and can play with the best.
“I think she deserved to be on varsity and she’s really quick,” Maldonado said.”We’ve all just tried to be welcoming and nice but we already knew her from the beginning.”
