As the ball shoots into the air, the Cavaliers begin running toward it, reaching it before the Ferguson Falcons. Sophomore Brooke Lawson controls it, kicks it and scores a goal during the second half of the game. With the first goal of the season, the 2023 varsity soccer season has officially begun.
On Nov. 6, the team took on John A. Ferguson High School on the Coral Gables Senior High field. Putting a tough fight, the game unfortunately ended with a score of 5 to 1, in favor of the Falcons. Preparing for the next game, the Cavaliers discussed where there was room for improvement, despite their largest efforts.
“During the game, everyone on the bench is always screaming in support and on the field we are always supporting each other. We know that we have the capability to be an incredible team, we just have to build up our chemistry, that’s our main goal going into games,” junior Soleil Pazos said.
Tryouts
Since tryouts, coaches Alexia “Lex” Clark and Miguel Moreno have been training the athletes every day after school, conditioning them for the season. Tryouts took place on Nov. 9 and 11 on the field after school.
Lex and Moreno analyzed each individual’s abilities to handle the ball, run and communicate with others. Using peculiar exercises, the coaches had the girls play the soccer version of Monkey in the Middle and other drills, to assess their current strengths and weaknesses.
Depending on how they performed, athletes who made the team began practicing with either junior varsity or varsity. Thus, JV and varsity teams were constructed.
“The coaches have been very supportive; since we are almost starting from scratch, this new year has brought us challenges but their coaching has helped us to play as a team and get organized as quickly as possible,” sophomore Paz Chico said.
Training
Following a specific routine, the Lady Cavaliers train Monday through Friday, strictly reserving Tuesdays and Thursdays for conditioning. This consists of running for three miles, with the goal being to maintain an 8-minute and 30-second mile pace. Running tests, the Cavaliers’ cardiovascular stamina, speed and ability to push through pain are assessed.
I know that being on the team will help me reach my personal goals because I have already improved on my skills since we started training and being good at soccer helps me feel good about myself. I am also able to form friendships and focus during every game giving it my best,
— sophomore Aihnoa Baigorri
Lex ensures that her athletes understand the schemes they incorporate into the game. She wants her athletes to know where they need to position themselves and the type of passes they must execute. Promoting four types of passes, Clark works to improve the girls’ wall passes, numbered passes, pass and move and square passing.
Usually playing games twice a week, these Cavaliers must train well to succeed in the game. Besides staying in shape, treating their bodies with care prevents injury in the long run.
Captain
This year, junior Valentina Tomas leads her team as the varsity captain. Tomas has dedicated herself to the Gables team since her freshman year. As a member of the athletic training program, Tomas has not only acquired tremendous experience in soccer but also in sports medicine, which means that she is familiar with other athletes.
“My role as an officer in [athletic training] clinic has helped me acquire leadership goals aside from being captain of the soccer team. It builds character and changed the way I viewed the struggles of athletes,” junior Valentina Tomas said.
On Nov. 8, Gables took on Florida Christian High, ending with a score of 2 to 0 in favor of the Cavaliers. During the game, junior Valentina Tomas and sophomore Paz Chico each scored a goal. This marked their first win of the season.
As the team continues training, they anticipate their next foe, the Gladiators of Hialeah Gardens.
