Girls Soccer Team Readies for the Season

September 26, 2008

Exeter wins Wednesday's tight game versus Holderness

Girls varsity soccer is quickly developing the cohesiveness and confidence that are the hallmarks of success. The team faces a challenge this year: ten of last year's strong players graduated in June. With only 5 seniors in the roster of 21, the team's focus is on building skills and team work. The new players are talented and excited by the opportunity. Co-captain Kendrick '09 describes this year's team as "very fast and skilled. We have the potential to be a great team."

Battle for possession against Holderness.The season got off to a strong start with a 5-1 win at Tilton School, followed by an exciting home opener victory over Choate by a score of 4-1 on September 13. The next games were challenges, resulting in losses against Brooks School and Deerfield Academy. On Wednesday, Exeter regained its edge in a 2-0 win over Holderness. After an early goal, Exeter and Holderness battled back and forth until Exeter's goal at the 4-minute mark finished the scoring.

Co-captain and goalkeeper Lily '09 sees the team pulling together with every game and practice. "We have a young team this year. The way we react to the two losses will tell us a lot about how the rest of the season is going to turn out." Tamara '11, a forward/midfielder, agrees. "We've learned from our mistakes in these games and have overcome them to become a stronger, faster and smarter team." The latest win over Holderness backs that up.

Kendrick believes the older players play a key role. "The older members teach the newer members what Exeter soccer is all about. We teach them dedication, drive and focus." She sees her role as a co-captain, "to keep the girls focused. If they are all focused on a common goal, the bonding will happen naturally."

Exeter girls congratulate Holderness on a hard-fought game. Between them, Head Coach Hilary Coder and Assistant Coach Bill Dennehy have coached for more than 50 years. Their approach is to build support and camaraderie among teammates. "The coaches have a great perspective on the game and team," says Tamara. "Practices are great and it's a really positive atmosphere." Emily '11 described how the coaches have designed drills to improve their gametime techniques. "Our team has been working to quickly transition from the offensive mindset to the defensive. We've done a lot of possession drills to work on quick thinking and communication, spreading out offensively, and staying tight defensively, shifting as a team and making clean passes to stay in control."

Lily has her sights on the overall success of the season. "Our major goal is to make the playoffs. I am trying to strike a balance between focusing on one game at a time, while also making sure that the girls have our long term goal in mind." Tamara makes clear that the focus of the senior players is enhanced by the enthusiasm of the younger players when she says, "One thing I really enjoy about PEA soccer is that everyone is dedicated to the team and really wants to represent positive school spirit."

Interested in learning more?

See the girls varsity soccer team page and jv team page for rosters, results, and other team information...

Check out this photo gallery of the action from the '08 spring athletic season...

See the main athletic page for schedules and team news...

View the coaches directory for more information on the coaches...

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