LEFT: Kingsley Eastman, Rian Cooper and Madeline Gladson stand together on the soccer field. They are the only freshmen on the girl’s varsity soccer team. “Coach Aronberg puts us wherever he needs someone,” Cooper said. “I’m more of an offensive player whereas Kingsley and Madeline are more defensive players.” (Photo by Grace Hensley)
FRESHMEN ON FIRE Three freshmen shine on girl’s varsity soccer team
CARLY WOODHILL health & sports staff
W
hen freshmen Rian Cooper, Kingsley Eastman and Madeline Gladson tried out for the girls varsity soccer team, they shared a unique kinship: they were some of the youngest players present. “Tryouts was one of the more nervewracking things I’ve done,” Eastman said. “You get there knowing no one and there are all these seniors and you’re like ‘oh my god, this is terrifying.’” All of the girls agreed on one thing: tryouts was an intimidating experience. However, all of their anxieties with the rest of the team.
Sophomores are close. Juniors are close. Seniors are close. It’s like a family.” All three girls have played soccer for over ten years, Making varsity as a freshman is a major step in showing work to get to where they are. “It’s a good feeling to know that I can play at a higher level with other age groups,” Gladson said. “Playing on varsity showed that I’ve improved since I reached a goal that I’ve wanted to reach since middle school.” the reasons why the girls were selected for the team LADUEPUBLICATIONS.COM
freshmen around to where the team needs a player; this “We had a drill a few days ago and I said ‘just get in groups of three’ and those three freshman got in a group,” were just so [good].”
gral role to the team’s success. In fact, during a game with winning goal.
Aside from their soccer skills, the freshmen also conseason, the girls have developed a fun-loving spirit. “I’ll come to practice and they’re doing weird dances to the team which is so much fun.” It might seem like the freshmen have reached the apex none of them intend on slowing down. They have set their sights on future seasons to improve their playing skills and technique. “I want to say that we won districts and went to state,” Gladson said. “I want to work on my touch and all the
it personally.”
p
05.10.21
27
