Congratulations! Congratulations!

Described by Coach Searles as both the team energizer and the team’s glue, Leiden’s energy, focus and competitive spirit stand out in both practices and in games. She is a determined athlete, always working to improve, and her ability to bring everyone together and make both players and coaches laugh enhances the team spirit. Leiden’s advice to young Hawks is that you don’t have to be the best player on the team to make an impact. She would like to thank Coach Smith for being her soccer mom, Coach Searles, Coach Kelly and Coach Paguibitan for making her senior season extra special, and Coaches Masters and Alt for always having her back.

Mayes is a three-year starter whose commitment to the team is evident in the constant support she gives her teammates and in her willingness to switch her position to goalkeeper this season to fill a need. Coach Searles says Mayes has exceeded any expectation and done remarkable things as the keeper for the Hawks. If she could leave a gift behind for the team, Mayes would give them a food locker and a disco ball. She would like to thank her sister, Eleanor, for being her role model. Mayes says she admires Eleanor’s perseverance and hard-working attitude, and her commitment to excellence. Mayes would also like to thank her parents for their support.

Great leaders know what needs to be said, and when to say it. Allison is that leader for the Hawks. She is always willing to address an issue for the betterment of the team with a communication style that fosters respect and camaraderie. On the field, Allison is a consistent force in the back-field. She takes pride in keeping the ball out of the Hawks’ goal, but also in thwarting opponents’ attempts to even get a shot on goal. Her favorite Latin soccer moment so far has been when Lucy and Clara were trying to pop a balloon and it accidentally hit Ella in the face. Her parting gift to the team would be a couch to chill on in the locker room.

Coach Searles says Clara sets an example daily by doing everything asked of her, and doing it well. Her competitiveness in everything from small team activities to practice drills to games raises the level of everyone around her. Clara’s favorite Latin soccer moment so far has been the beach trips and spending the weekend with “the best teammates in the world”. If she could leave a gift to the team, she’d give them an unlimited supply of her F-I-P messages, which are the special notes she writes on her teammates’ wrists before every game. Her advice to younger Hawks is to always try new things, because you are capable of more than you think.

Ella’s favorite Latin soccer moment came in the state semifinals her sophomore year, when the team scored with five minutes remaining to win one-nothing and advance to the championship. While she describes the win as “amazing,” it was the bus ride home that is her favorite memory. With music blaring and lots of screaming, Ella loved the excitement and energy shared with her teammates. Coach Searles says Ella is a servant leader who organizes team activities, stays after practice to pick up equipment, and cleans up the sideline after games. On the field, it’s Ella’s passion for the sport that stands out, and her support of her teammates. Ella would like to thank her brother, Kyle, for showing her how much fun school soccer can be and for being one of her biggest supporters. She will be following in family footsteps as she heads to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill next year to continue her education and her soccer career.