This season the girls’ soccer team looks to rebound after a disappointing loss to Fremd in last year’s regional final. Of the coming season, Head Coach Ryan McCabe said, “I have high expectations for the girl’s soccer team this spring. We are all returning but one starter from last year’s team and plan to have some young, talented players join the team and make an impact. Last season we had ten girls make their varsity debut. I am hopeful that we will be able to use their experiences from last year to help us prepare for this season.”
Senior captain Reese Mertens also voiced her hopes for this new year of Warren soccer, saying, “I’m excited for this upcoming season because of the amount of talent we have returning and coming into the program. The work ethic put into the off-season shows our great potential as a team. If we utilize our team chemistry, I believe we will have a very special season this year with great achievements.”
One goal the girls have set their sights on is the Body Armour Sports Series Tournament, an event they won last year after beating Minooka in the finals by a score of 3-1. Junior Addison Stanciak was named MVP of the tournament and received her award while ABC 7, WGN 9, and NBC 5 televised the event. Reflecting on her experience, Addison said, I’m so grateful for the award, and for my team that came out and supported me…I feel so honored.” Addison recently committed to Saint Louis University and looks to be a leader for the team this year.
The team is also focused on community service. Last year, during pre-season, the girls brought cookies and “thank you” cards to local nursing homes, police departments, and fire departments. Additionally, the Body Armour Tournament that the Blue Devils participate in typically gives back to the community through food pantries and clothing drives. This year, the team hopes to continue to connect with and give back to those around them.
The season begins with the annual opening game against New Trier at home, a contest that the girls know will be challenging. “Once again we will have a tough schedule with our first game against perennial power New Trier,” said Coach McCabe.
Heather Crawford, an assistant coach, also commented on the opening game, saying, “I think playing against such a historic program in New Trier for our first game the last few years has been extremely valuable for our group right out of the gate. After the initial tryouts, we have such a short amount of time to get playing with each other, as well as adjusting to the style of play that we will strive to display throughout the season.” Leading up to the game, the girls will work out positions, a formation, and a solid game plan as to how they will beat the Trevians.
If you are interested in joining the soccer squad, come to try it out from February 26th to March 1st. The program has also been offering open gyms which will continue from 3:30-5pm every Tuesday and Thursday leading up to tryouts. Coach Crawford says, “Every time we step foot on that field it’s easy to feel the tradition and energy that has been established in prior years and at the same time feel the immense opportunity to honor those players who have laid the foundation for our current players to push the limits and reach new heights.”
With an amazing coaching staff and an accommodating environment, this is a great way to get involved in the Warren community. Sophomore Kate Mondejar agrees, saying, “The sisterhood in our program is like no other, it consists of support from each player on and off the field. I love that we…can lean on each other when times are hard, push each other when needed, and celebrate each other at our best moments!” If playing soccer isn’t for you, come support your Blue Devils and watch them compete!
