As the fall sports seasons are coming to an end, it’s time to reminisce on the good times that we had.
During the South Windsor High School girls soccer team’s season, there were a lot of highs and lows. From winning games within seconds, to having unfortunate losses against others. During this season, the girls have achieved something much greater than just winning: they created a family that’s there for one another.
“My favorite part of this season was the team culture. It was really good this year and the relationships we all had with each other made it a positive experience.” said Senior captain Ava Hapkiewicz.
The short three month season always seems to go by too fast. Most seniors still remember their first tryout their freshman year, and now they are graduating. Some seniors are going on to play soccer in college, and others are finishing their soccer careers now.
Senior captains Lilah Cabahug and Ava Hapkiewicz are proud of everything the girls achieved this year and are grateful this is the team they ended with.
After practice, the girls would routinely go out to eat or go to each other’s houses to prepare for the upcoming game, making everyone more connected as a team. These friendships that were made outside of the game are irreplaceable and will be cherished for years to come.
Even varsity coach Ryan Kaufman enjoyed bringing the girls to a variety of restaurants after games.
“The way the girls got so excited for Playa Bowls was definitely entertaining,” Coach Kaufman said.
This team had incredible talent and worked very well with one another. Unfortunately, losing the conference by a hair, and being taken out the 2nd round of States was the sad end to the season.
Although it was an upsetting time, Coach Kaufman told the team to hold their heads high. As his first year ever coaching girls, he was so proud of his team. They managed to have a positive record which was rewarded with a high ranking in the league. Considering the tough opponents they faced, this performance is admirable.
“I felt like overall the season was very positive. There’s always going to be ups and downs, but we were able to compete all year; there wasn’t a game we weren’t in. I feel like all the players enjoy their time being around each other and had fun which is important,” Kaufman said.
Overall, the favorite games that the team played together were the Avon game at the beginning of the season and the E.O. Smith game towards the end.
During the Avon game, it started off really slow in the first half but with an inspiring speech from Coach Kaufman, the team brought it all together and stole the 3-2 win.
Before the E.O. Smith game, the bus that the girls were riding on broke down, causing them to be 30 minutes late. Without much of a warm up, the girls still brought it together to crush E.O. Smith. The team started strong and kept the intensity the whole game for a 4-0 win.
“It was an event just getting there, having the bus breakdown on the highway and showing up late,” Kaufman explained.
All of the girls improved so much this season and have every reason to be proud of themselves. Through losses and injuries, the girls kept persevering and coming to practice each day.
“The team definitely improved over the course of the season. Their understanding of a new system of play, confidence, belief in themselves, and as team, are all things that progressed over the course of the season. The team came together and created a strong bond that helped them be successful all year,” Kaufman commented.
Head Coach Ryan Kaufman, Assistant Coach Brittany Collins, and the two volunteer coaches Jordan Roberts and Michelle Tavares are to thank for the girls successful season. Going to every practice and every game showed their commitment to making the girls better.
The girls are preparing to celebrate their season with their yearly banquet on November 25th. Here they will give heartfelt speeches about their senior teammates and remember all the good memories they shared.
Hoping for another amazing season, the Bobcat Prowl is excited to continue reporting on the SWHS Varsity Girls Soccer team next year.
