Selfless, dependable, and hardworking: these are the words used by underclassmen soccer players to describe the senior players.

“This group of seniors represent the soccer player I want to to become as I continue my high school career,” said freshman Anna Hoffman.

“They are people I can look up to and ask for advice,” Hoffman said of the seniors. Hoffman has contributed as an offensive player in the varsity lineup, as well as several other underclassmen. “When they leave, our team is going to lose many key leaders,” she said. The leadership and bonding of this group is a fundamental piece of this year’s team.

The 2019 group of girls have been playing together since elementary school, mostly in AYSO and CRSA. “I’ve been playing with Grace Krapfl, Quinn Rodman, Sam White, Sammy Moss, and Maddi Hotz (Lisbon) since elementary school,” said senior outside midfielder Alina Merlak. The team chemistry that has built since then has affected their senior season. Merlak has also formed relationships, some old and some new, with other seniors: Rachel Lochner, Emma Walsh, Taubah Sumalee, and Ingrid Gasvand (Lisbon).

“Playing with them has encouraged me to get outside my comfort zone because all the seniors have such different personalities and bring something to the team,” said senior Sammy Moss. “It just makes me want to be a part of this and be a great role model for the underclassmen.” Moss, including other seniors, have formed new relationships and grew in leadership styles.

“All of the seniors are great leaders. They know when to work hard and when to have fun,” said Hoffman. “They are very understanding of everyone on the team.”