The Kingswood Oxford varsity girls soccer team has opened its season with a mix of resilience, growth, and youthful energy. With 11 freshmen, two middle schoolers, and only three upperclassmen, the Wyverns are one of the youngest squads in recent memory. Yet, the captains —senior midfielder Taylor Caldwell, senior forward Loren Roca, and junior forward Captain Maliyah Douglas — say that hasn’t held them back.
The season began on a high note with a commanding 7-1 win over Wilbraham & Monson. “That first win was huge for us,” Douglas said. “Coming off a not-so-confident season last year, it gave us momentum and reminded us that we can compete.” The Wyverns followed up with a 3-1 loss to St. Luke’s, but even in defeat, the team showed growth and fight.
For Caldwell, the team’s youth has been both a challenge and an opportunity. “It’s about building individual confidence so we can play together as one unit,” she explained. “My role as captain is to set the standard—always working hard and making sure the younger players feel supported.”
Douglas said the team’s bond has been their greatest strength. Much of that connection was built over the summer, when many of the Wyverns traveled to England for training and competition. “The trip definitely made us closer,” she said. “We faced tough, physical teams, but we stuck together and stayed positive. That experience has carried on to the field this season.”
Caldwell highlighted the contributions of several newcomers, including freshman goalkeeper Lizzy Raccio, who has stepped into a crucial role with confidence, and eighth-grade midfielder Naomi Diffenderfer, already among the team’s top scorers. She also praised sophomore Nadia Silmon for her versatility, noting her ability to excel at both outside back and striker.
Off the field, both captains stress the importance of positivity and communication. Whether it’s pep talks during tough matches, pregame huddles in the team room, or music-filled traditions before home games, the Wyverns are focused on building confidence and culture as much as skill.
The team has its sights set on qualifying for the NEPSAC playoffs, but Caldwell and Douglas agree that the short-term goal is simple: improvement. “Every game, every practice, we want to push ourselves a little more,” Caldwell said.
With an ambitious group of young players, supportive captains, and a growing sense of identity, the Wyverns are not just playing for today; they are building for the future.
