Soccer Season Begins Even in the Midst of a Pandemic

With COVID-19 still among us, the start of the soccer season was delayed for about one month, and just like almost every other sport, things look very different. With so little time before their first game, the JV and Varsity teams are training hard in order to have a successful season.

COVID-19 measures have been implemented in order to ensure everyone’s safety: masks must be worn at all times except when playing, there are different locker rooms and changing areas for JV and Varsity, as well as the separation of both practices.

Sophomore Sofia Girgenti said, “I’m a little sad that we can’t scrimmage with the varsity anymore because last year we had a lot of fun doing it, but I understand that if the varsity team ever gets quarantined, then we would have to step up and play in their place which is scary. That seems exciting though, and we’ll prepare to make a good impression.” 

In the upcoming games, only two parents will be allowed to attend, and they must exit the field before the players to limit contact with each other. Everything is done in order for none of the girls to contract the virus and have a full and healthy season.

Coach Kareem, the head coach, is very excited and optimistic despite all these obstacles. He said, “I’m super excited about it I’m glad that we have the opportunity to play sports again. We want to make sure that we do take the right precautions and measures to keep everyone safe but overall I’m super, super excited to get started and have some sort of  normality going into the season”

The varsity girls had their first game of the season on Wednesday, November 4 2020 against Sunlake High School and finished it off with a, 4 – 1 win.

Brynn Willary (‘23)’ said “It’s such an amazing experience to be part of such a great team. Everyone worked super hard and gave one hundred percent effort, and I think that ultimately led to our win yesterday. I’m very happy that we’re starting the season off successful, and we hope to continue winning and having fun.”

Unfortunately, on Friday, Nov. 6, they took a loss against Newsome High School.

“Even though we lost it was definitely a close one. It’s okay though, we have many more games and many other chances to win and enjoy ourselves,” said Julia Lombardi. 

The JV will have their first game, away, on November 12 facing off Sunlake High School. 

Despite all of the challenges and the late start, both the JV and Varsity teams are excited about the start of their seasons and are working hard to maintain the Academy’s successful legacy in soccer.