The Girls’ soccer team is heading closer to their postseason. With an impressive record of 12 wins, 3 losses, and 1 tie, the girls are in a good position going into their postseason. However, they won’t get comfortable in their standing, they are hoping to improve their record and complete their district goals.
Looking to the future, the team hopes to continue accomplishing its goals by advancing into regions and states, trying to avenge its three losses, and improving for the final stretch of the season.
“We are going to take it one game at a time and be the number one seed in the district. We also hope to then complete our goal of winning the district” Coach Waisanen said.
Coach Waisanen is proud of his girls and is satisfied with their season so far, but he knows there is always room for improvement. “One of our losses was a surprise, the other games we could have won,” Waisanen said.
With nine seniors this year, the team is very strong in leadership and has a lot of experience. Some of these seniors will move on to take their skills to the collegiate level. One of these players is Laila Ayup who has committed to playing at Francis Marion University. FMU is a Division II school in Florence, South Carolina. For Ayup this decision was much debated.
“ At first my recruitment process was stressful because I didn’t know where I wanted to go or what school would be a good fit, but I chose FMU because the coaches and team culture was amazing and I felt like I fit right in,” Ayup said.
This opportunity is the perfect chance for a new experience and a chance for Ayup to accomplish her college soccer goals.
“Playing at a collegiate level has always been a dream for me, and I want to continue to improve and as a team make it to the NCAA tournament,” Ayup said.
Ayup has been on the team for all four years of high school, and in her final year, Ayup hopes to wrap up her high school career with a successful final postseason.
“ I’m just so proud of our team and I’m very confident that we will do very good in the playoffs. I hope to win districts, regionals, and then states,” Ayup said.
Although these athletes enjoy winning, that is not the only thing that creates memorable moments for these players.
“My favorite moments so far as a senior have been the team dinners and having fun at practice,” said Ayup.
As these seniors leave, their coach has one final message for them as they advance into a new chapter in their lives.
“Play every game like it is your last, and live life to the fullest with no regrets. If you can say that you tried your best, and played your best every time you stepped on the field you can keep your head up, knowing that you have accomplished your goals and have been successful because you tried your hardest,” Waisanen said.
Now the upcoming classes must lead the future of the Oviedo girls’ soccer team. One of these leaders is freshman Aubrie Thelen. Thelen is a varsity center back for Oviedo who has taken the initiative to become a leader for the team.
“My role for next year will be to lead the back line, continue to support my team, and lead by example,” Thelen said.
Thelen had started this year with many goals for her freshman year and wanted to make an impact on the team.
“Soccer is a big part of my life and I wanted to represent my school, ” Thelen said. My goals are to be a leader on the field through my play and hard work.”
This season Thelen had really put herself out there for the team, and has made her mark as a varsity player showing great teamwork skills, and great passion for the sport.
“Aubrie is really mature for her age and is really stepping up and being vocal about helping her teammates by always showing them support. I see that she is an excellent teammate, a good player, and always wanting to get better and learn more,” Coach Waisanen said.
With many seniors leaving the team now, the team has begun to re-build for next year.
“We are hoping to develop the players we have on varsity and JV next year. We also need to look for new talent to supplement our current players. Working together as a team and working hard for one another will be key,” Thelen said.
Thelen has been willing to put in the hard work for her varsity spot, and next year will have to keep pushing herself to be the leader that she can be.
“Thelen has a lot to learn still, she’s a freshman playing with girls four years older than her, and she’s learning what it takes. She has a lot of potential and she has the ability to connect well with her teammates, she really wants to lead by example,” said Coach Waisanen.
The team competes in the District tournament next week on Friday 1/24 and is waiting with anticipation to discover their opponent.
