As the school year enters its fourth quarter, some sports are just getting started. The Wakefield women’s soccer team is continuing to play games throughout the spring months, and will move forward to successfully secure a playoff berth once again. Currently, they have a 7-6-1 record. The team’s regular season wraps up on May 7 and the girls are planning to make a playoff run. Every year, they work even harder to improve their technical skills and group coordination.
Anthony Calabria is the head coach of the women’s soccer team and has held that position for the past year. The team has excelled under his leadership, having made the playoffs last year. Calabria discusses how he works to be the best coach he can.
“[To be the best coach], you take what you like about someone when they are coaching you,” Calabria said. “And then you take what you didn’t like, and then you adapt it to what you think would be the best [for your players].”
Calabria has played soccer for most of his life, and has coached at a variety of places, for a total of 31 years. This experience has helped the team make immense progress, turning last year’s season around after a rocky start, as well as having a good record this season.
The new leadership combined with the talent of the girls has created a place to grow and achieve success. Alice Walter is a sophomore on the women’s soccer team, and talks of how positivity makes the game more enjoyable.
“The friendships you make from [soccer], and just playing with different people, is really fun,” Walter said.
The welcoming and kind environment has allowed for growth both on and off the field. Each player brings a unique perspective and energy that helps bring them all together to create an amazing team. With their collective effort, they are proving to be a real threat.
Senior Payton Smith has been involved with playing soccer since she was little, and she hopes to continue playing in the future. The cooperation of the players has resulted in a place where the girls can work together toward something bigger than themselves.
“The team this year gets along better than any other year,” Smith said. “There’s no drama; it’s fun to be there all the time, it almost feels like a summer camp.”
Freshman Anna Cochran is new to the women’s varsity soccer team this year. She has felt that the girls have embraced her with open arms this season, continuing to foster an inviting atmosphere on the team.
“I’m the only freshman on varsity, so [the team is] very welcoming,” Cochran said.
This group has prioritized creating a comforting space that continues to push each person to be their very best. When competing for playoff eligibility, the girls are joining forces to end the season off with a bang.
“Everyone is good individually,” Smith said. “We just need to work better together.”
