freshmen on field
By Vivianne Lee and Eugene Kim
Edited by Sarah Ryu
Design by Nicole Yang
Edited by Sarah Ryu
Design by Nicole Yang
Several high school boys fight for the few spots in the varsity soccer team. This year, only twenty-one players were chosen after several long, exhausting try-outs. Out of those twenty-one players, six of them are freshmen. Barely a year ago, they were just middle school students playing soccer for recreational purposes. Now, they represent our school with their quality skills.
However, the freshmen payers have to adjust to the new environment. “The atmosphere is very different from middle school. Since we are only freshmen and it’s our first year in the team, we make a lot of mistakes.” said William Chung, one of the two goalkeepers on the team. Victor Kang responded “I play CDM (Center Defensive Midfielder) which was not always my desired position. In middle school, I always played right midfielder but in the varsity team, I found out that I am better at passing rather than shooting so I changed my position.” Victor and Jay did not forget to mention about how the upperclassmen influence them. Jay Lee, a right back, replied “Upperclassmen tell us which areas I can improve on and what I should be careful of.” Victor Kang assured us, “The upperclassmen serve as role models for us. They tend to be really harsh on us because they know what I’ve been through. They usually give me advice as in what I should improve on and how I should behave in a game. I think upperclassmen are really dedicated and sufficient role models.” The freshmen players on the team realized that high school soccer is a lot different from middle school soccer. The freshman goalkeeper said, “The goals are much bigger and the shots that I have to block are faster.” Victor Kang stated “Middle school team is focused on recreational purposes, but varsity team represents the whole school so it is much more heavier in the terms of responsibility.” It is evident that varsity soccer games between schools are extremely competitive. Players get extremely nervous before a game. “I talk with my teammates to shake it off.” said Jay Lee, the right back of the team. “The atmosphere is just incredible. It is very intense but also enthusiastic. I try to play my best whether we are up to 5 goals or down to 5 goals.” Victor and William also gave advice towards 8th graders who are considering trying out next year. “Just keep practicing and one day, you will be on the team.” “Varsity soccer is a team so they should be aware of the fact that individual skill level is not the priority. Rather, cooperating with other team members is the most essential tool.” |
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