Shannon Murray '24
The Cate Girls Varsity and Junior Varsity soccer teams have started off the winter season strong. Varsity coaches Taylor Wyatt and Lisa Holmes repeat the phrase “EWEnited” at every practice and to sign off every one of the “Week in Soccer” emails. This phrase has truly been adapted by the varsity players this year as something more than just a cheer of encouragement or well-executed play on words. It is a reflection of the way the team has chosen to play on and off the field.
Tryouts started out strong with lots of new first years who have contributed significantly to both teams in the program. Namely, Olivia Almqvist (‘26), Lauren Hubbs (‘26), and Claire Biannch (‘26). These three girls on the Varsity team have quickly become reliable players on the field to whom the rest of the team can trust due to their agility and quick, smart decision making. Additionally, their encouraging and kind attitudes off of the field have been greatly appreciated by the team. It’s safe to say that the future of the girls soccer teams are in excellent hands.
So far, the Varsity team is undefeated, with victories against Huinemi, Nordoff, and Stevenson. Their ability to collaborate and communicate in games, commitment to each other, and full effort in practice contributed to success. The defense is strong at the back of the field, led by Senior Tamsyn Taptich (‘23), who is constantly reliable as the last defender. The back is held down by Zoë Flint (‘25), Ava Bracher (‘23), and Shannon Murray (‘24). The midfield is held up by Emie Nam (‘23), an unstoppable force whose ball control and speed of a play is constantly reliable to the rest of her teammates. This year, Josie Frazer (‘24) has taken on a new role from defense to midfielder and she has quickly become a strong force on the field in her new role. Alongside Josie as midfielders, Gigi Geyer (‘23), Ellie Tunnell (‘23), and Phebe Hancock (‘23) are also all strong players who have each scored monumental goals so far this season. Their ability to attack the balls fed from the defense and midfield and take them to the net, while working together to pass and move off the ball, has been monumental to the teams success. “Play to feet!” is commonly said by both players and coaches during games as possession is key to get scoring opportunities and keep the ball away from the net, protected by keeper Jeeyou Jung (‘25).
Finally, it wouldn’t be right to mention the Girls Soccer teams without mentioning former Varsity coach David Wood. Although he retired from Cate this past year, he continues to coach the Varsity team from afar, watching the live streams from New York and giving words of encouragement to the team. His words are relayed to the team by Coach Wyatt and Coach Holmes often beginning with, “In the words of Coach David Wood, live from New York...” His presence is extremely missed from all of the players and coaches for the season this year is not the same without his thorough coaching and words of encouragement, but the team feels lucky that they still get to hear his advice even while he is not there to watch in person. Sometimes, after a player has a particularly good game this season members of the team will turn to them, saying, “D.Wood would be so proud of you.” The season looks promising for both the Varsity and Junior Varsity teams, so check the general for upcoming games and come out to support!
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