Girls' Soccer State Champions

ATHLETICS SIMPLE GOALS BIG DREAMS

Brooks Hopp ’08

Upper School Faculty

Achijah Berry ’10

School Dean of Middle Students

Each year the SAAS soccer programs begin with simple goals and big dreams. Our goals are things that we are in control of—we ask our players to try to be the hardest working team in the state and to take care of their teammates—and our dreams are the things we would like to achieve each season—we hope to win championships. This year, our girls’ soccer program had an especially successful year, going 15–4–1 and winning the Emerald City League and State Tournament. Below our seniors share their reflections on what being a part of this program has meant to them.

ISABELLA FONSECA ’20

I have loved the experience of being on the SAAS varsity girls’ soccer team for the past four years, each year being unique to another. From my freshman tryout when I was so scared to make a mistake to my last year when I was a leader on and off the field and ultimately helped lead my team to win a state championship. I have grown so much on this team thanks to the support of my teammates and incredible coaches Brooks Hopp and Achijah Berry. Soccer at SAAS is unlike any other soccer program I have been a part of because of the amazing teamwork, comradery, dedication, and immense love for the sport that every player on the team possesses.

INGRID ODMARK ’20

For my first three years on the SAAS varsity girls’ soccer team, I was the second-string goalkeeper. I got the opportunity to train and play with Emerson Burke ’19, a fantastic goalkeeper. I joined the team my freshman year, after a two-year break from the sport. Emerson, along with Brooks Hopp, helped me return as a high school goalkeeper and now a future college athlete. This team has been unforgettable. The team worked endlessly to win the state championship and to do this during my senior year and only year being the starting goalkeeper meant everything. I am so thankful for my experience with this team.

KATE POTVIN ’20

The Seattle Academy Girls’ Soccer team is more than just a program, it is a family. Trying out as a freshman, I was shy, unconfident, and frankly a mess. I didn’t realize my true potential and felt as though there wasn't any place to show my skills. The guidance and mentorship that I received from Brooks Hopp and Achijah Berry is something that I will always be grateful for, and over the years I really began to understand how much soccer meant to me. At the beginning of my senior year, I tore my ACL. The news was hard, but my teammates were there with me every step. Winning State with them was amazing, and I am so proud of all of them; these girls weren't just my teammates but my sisters and family. And I am going to miss them and this program so much. Go Cardinals!

ARIANA RASTANI ’20

I’ve been on the varsity soccer team since 2017 and was looking forward to my senior season. We had a group of five eager freshmen joining the team, and the seniors and I were excited to lead the team. Immediately, we worked hard to integrate the freshman, make sure the sophomores didn’t feel overlooked, and collaborate with the juniors as we would with our fellow seniors. We focused on building a solid foundation that felt more like a family and less like a team. We knew that regardless of how talented a team was, it wouldn’t go anywhere if the girls weren’t there to support each other. Overall, I had an unforgettable season and will always have a family I can fall back on. ☜

“Our goals are things that we are in control of—we ask our players to try to be the hardest working team in the state and to take care of their teammates”