When this team first got together two years ago, they were individuals who didn’t really know each other, according to head coach Nathan Brown. “They have progressed very well and become a tight-knit family. They always come together before and after each practice and game in a team huddle. They are quick to affirm their teammates, as well as give advice when needed. These players like each other so much, that after practice they want to stay after and continue to play soccer.” Brown says the girls have made a lot of headway in their short time together. “The team has improved a lot. They are a high-energy team that passes well, and likes to go wide and get crosses in.”
motivates them? “This team is pretty intrinsically motivated — they all want to play their best and leave it all out there,” Brown says. And frozen yogurt from their favorite spot works, too. As the team grows, so does the leadership. “We have two types of leaders on our team — those who lead by example, and those who are becoming vocal,” Brown says. He’s proud of the way the team has come together. “We went from winning two to three games a season, to now winning over 65 percent of our games. This team has really worked on their fundamentals, as well as worked hard at understanding team-attacking principles.”
Back, from left: Coach Nathan Brown, Macy Bivens, Macy Starr, Ashlyn Robbins, Caitlin McMahan, Mayci Wilson, Brooke Jones, Abby Hozouri, Adriana Rodrigues. Front, from left: Kaelyn Yoder, Lia Hammond, Isabell Rodrigues, Anna Claire Blackaby