Savannah United coach David Shuman has been guiding this team for about three years, including Academy and Wings of Soccer. There are twelve girls on the team, three of whom are joining United 07 Premier for the new fall season. Players include Sydney Berkman, Nadya Doscher, Taliyah Headman, Ashley Hernandez, Ava Holcey, Ava Gray Holmes, Scarlett Jackson, Holly Kachmar, Raegan Rychel, Harris Stone, Meg Stutzman, and Coach David Shuman Abigail Walsh. The team has a big playing personality, with the main aspect being teamwork. Their coach says they are assertive on offense and passionate on defense. The girls spur each other on, relying on one another to pass the ball and keep the games dynamic. Led by their coaches’ examples, they shine in communication and problem solving. As always, the goal is that the lessons learned on the field will affect more than just their next soccer season, that they will carry them throughout the various stages of their lives. The girls are motivated by each other’s success. When they work together to score a goal or win a game, they then celebrate their teammates in victory. They encourage each other and make sure each teammate is supported in moving forward individually and as a team. More notably, they are there for each other in losses as well, a testament to each girl’s developing character. Rather than setting specific goals, the coaches and team set out to develop processes and consistency. The philosophy is that there is a difference between goals and processes. If the goal is to win more games, the process is what the team does during practice each day.
First row, from left: Raegan Rychel, Ashley Hernandez, Ava Gray Holmes, and Ava Holcey. Second row, from left: Harris Stone, Sydney Berkman, Scarlett Jackson, and Taliyah Headman. Third row, from left: Nadya Doscher (GK), Abigail Walsh, Holly Kachmar, and Meg Stutzman.
games are not just won on the playing field, but also during each practice. In addition to being talented, the team has a strong bond.