With the season nearing its end and a record of 5-9, the girls varsity soccer team looks to finish the season strong.
The season has been a positive one, considering the wide age gap within the team. “With a team consisting of two Middle Schoolers, 11 freshmen, four sophomores, a junior, and two seniors, we knew there would be some growing pains, but the season has been all about growth,” Head Coach Sal Penta said. “The players have a connection that has allowed them to compete together well and get better each and every game.”
The team prepares thoroughly for each game and is always ready. “The training sessions have been very competitive, with a lot of problem-solving activities to prepare the players for the game itself,” Coach Penta said. “We try to work on aspects of our game that need to improve and to prepare for the specific team we will go against next. The players need to know what system of play will be used for the game and make sure they know their roles and responsibilities.”
There have been many moments from the season to be excited about, but the team is particularly proud of a couple of significant wins. The girls played Hopkins on Wednesday, October 22, and pulled off a 4-2 victory. “There have been too many excellent moments in the season to consider one my favorite,” Coach Penta said. “The win against Hopkins was special, as we just came off two tough losses to Choate and Westminster. Instead of dwelling on the recent losses, the players went to Hopkins determined to change the narrative that outsiders had about the program. It was a dominating win with four different players scoring. The team truly came together so we could succeed.”
One of the team’s strongest points is its camaraderie and support for one another. “I have loved being a Captain this year,” senior forward Captain Taylor Caldwell said. “My team is full of amazing, talented players, and I love the support we give each other. I’m lucky that there is no added pressure because everyone shows up ready to work hard and cheer each other on.”
Another decisive moment of the season came in a game against Miss Porter’s School. “My favorite moment of the season was seeing how well we played against Miss Porter’s,” Caldwell said. ‘They are notoriously one of the best teams in the league, and we came together, holding them to only one goal in the first half and one goal in the second half. We definitely made them work for both of those goals, and I was really proud of everyone on my team.” Although the Wyverns just fell short, losing 2-0, they put up a valiant fight against a class A powerhouse.
With four games remaining in the season, the Wyverns are focused on improving each game and building toward next season. “My expectations include the team finishing the season playing better technically and tactically and securing some wins,” Coach Penta said. “As a program, we need to end the season strong so we have a positive feeling about where this team can go in the fall of 2026.”
We wish the Wyverns luck in their remaining two games against Taft and Ethel Walkers.
