Senior Tori Vives dribbles past the West Broward defense. The girls' soccer team is proving to be a team to reckon with this season. Photo Credit:J.P. Portraits
BY KEVIN KOPLIN
Every year the Cooper City High School girls’ varsity soccer team begins their season with one goal in mind: winning districts. This year is, of course, no different. Through vigorous practice and intense training, the Cowboys will ensure that their goal remains in sight.
The team practices daily, working on fundamentals and drills to prepare for game action. During practice, the team builds a strong bond, which translates into success on the field. The Cowboys have been working hard since early September to preparing and conditioning for the season.
“Our strong point is our team chemistry,” senior Tori Vives said. “We get along really well and our ability to connect off the field carries on to the field.”
They have already started off the season strong, with a record of 7-1-2. Although the team did not have a great season last year, they have put it behind them and are focused on winning now, proving that they are a team to be feared.
“I think we have a good chance at going far this season,” Vives said. “Our record is pretty solid and we have a lot of talented girls.”
The student athletes on the team this year include girls from various grade levels. Freshman, sophomores, juniors, and seniors are all represented on the varsity team. In fact, many of the players on this year’s team are freshman. There are a total of 11 freshmen on the team and 5 of them are starters, the most ever on a CCHS varsity team. Although there are many freshmen on the team this year, there are no divisions between the players.
“This is the tightest bond we’ve had between players in recent years,” varsity soccer coach Lauren Johnson said. “Even with the age gap, everybody treats each other equally.”
The connection between the players is one of the main reasons for the immediate success this season. Regardless of the fact that many of the girls are playing for the first time at the high school level, they work together and seem like they’ve been playing together for years.
“With the amount of freshmen starting, you would think that there would be some problems,” Coach Lauren said. “But everyone works the same and respects each other.”
With the season going smoothly, the Cowboys can only hope this group can continue to succeed for years to come, but for now they are focused on the present. With a core group of promising freshman and senior leaders guiding their way, the CCHS girls’ varsity soccer team is ready to dominate the competition.
