MAJOR CHANGE CAN MAKE OR BREAK A TEAM, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT COMES TO THE COACH, BUT THE DDYSC 03 ELITE LADY Wolfpack has stepped up to the challenge. By committing themselves to the team and the game they have come together stronger than ever making major impacts in their current league. Head Coach Andrea Bustamante, or ‘Busta,’ as the girls call her, was born in Costa Rica, grew up in the States, and transplanted to Atlanta in 2001 as a teenager. She played several seasons for Georgia Soccer teams, and then at the collegiate level.
Back row, from left: Anna Taggart, Jemma Brooks, Molly Khayat, Kelly Zreloff, Reagan Ward, Isabel Taggart, Kristin Hair, Mai Nguyen, and head coach Andrea “Busta” Bustamante. Front row, from left: Jade Baptiste, Adina Labouchere , Caroline Jordan, Lindsey Fossett, Stella Bowers, Sienna Lange, Katie Mallory, Catherine Breault.
background in soccer, says her passion is “to serve the community The pride the players feel is evident. “Each weekend, I put my through the game. My life was impacted tremendously by the game uniform on, proud to be representing such a beautiful team playing of soccer and my dream is to be able to give the same impact back to a beautiful game,” says Kelly Zreloff. “In all, this team and this game those that I am able to reach through it.” She became head coach in continue to be put in a special place in my heart, and I love every December. moment of it.” The team has 16 players from five different middle schools, ages The Lady Wolfpack will be taking on their biggest challenge this 12-14. “Each player has a unique source of motivation; as a team we season playing in the State Cup. “It is our first time playing in the Cup,” work together to trigger that motivation and use it to our advantage.” Busta says. “But the season for this team seems to be off to a great Player Reagan Ward is all in. “I believe that our team is slowly start; they scored 18 goals in five regular season games with nine getting better and will eventually become a top contender and the different players. …We like to play fast, wide and move the ball as team to beat. Our relationship off the field helps us immensely on the much as possible.” field with communication,” she says. Teammate Jade Baptiste adds, By establishing pre-season goals, the team has a foundation of “This U14 Girls Elite team is a mix of balancing personalities, natural things they can work on throughout the season, making it an ongoing athleticism, and talent. Although we come from different backgrounds learning process of progress. They will also be working on communitywe pull together every week at practice and more importantly in games based activities, including one to benefit Clarkston Community Schools to face major opponents and rise to the challenge. With great coaching with soccer cleats, shin-guards, balls, and gently used soccer clothes that understands our uniqueness, we are on the road to greatness.” for their after-school programs.
Southern Soccer Academy