The varsity girls soccer team closed out its season with a 2-0 loss to Nazareth Academy in the regional semifinals on May 19. The defeat capped off a challenging season after the team was moved up to the 2A division, which consists of high schools with enrollment between 301 and 700 students.
Senior striker Elspeth LaCroix-Birdthistle, a co-captain who led the team alongside Leyla Yates and Devyn Moubayed, said the switch to the 2A division was initially a challenge for the team as it meant they were facing far more difficult competitors.
“We continued to progress as the season went on,” Elspeth said. “That especially showed in the last few games when we were playing harder opponents but even so, the scores were very close. In our regular season games, we were never not able to score, which was a stronger record than last year.”
Elspeth, a four-year varsity player, said she was grateful for the team’s tight-knit and supportive community. Before games, the players would huddle up and recite their team chant, “When in doubt, kick it out,” to motivate one another before playing.
“This year’s team has been the closest I’ve been in my four years, and that really came through in how we played,” she said. “Our second to last game before playoffs was against St. Laurence. We won 1-0. The goal wasn’t just one person’s effort — it was a real team achievement.”
The team’s camaraderie was echoed by ninth grader Julia Machado, who plays as a center midfielder. Julia was hesitant to play at the start of the season after seeing the skill level of the other players. She had to adjust what she offered to the team but was encouraged by older players who would offer her tips and embrace her role on the team.
“I haven’t always been so confident,” Julia said. “But the other players made me feel so included and welcomed.”
Julia recalls a morning practice that started off grueling but ended up being a powerful moment of connection for the team.
“It sounded dreadful because we had to get up at 6 a.m.,” she said. “But I thought it was really nice to be out there all together, not slacking, but really trying our hardest because we all have the same goal in mind.”
