Coming off of a very successful season last year, the girls varsity soccer team led by Coach Scott Murphy has had to adjust to moving up into a higher conference. Although the record does not reflect their hard work and determination, these tough losses serve as motivation for the rest of the season, and they are looking forward to doing well in the States.

Senior captains Grace Kelly, and Lily Pergola remain hopeful and have many goals for the rest of the season. 

Kelly said:  “I have learned that even when things aren’t going your way you have to continue fighting. This season we moved up a conference and the competition is much harder. We have not been doing the best throughout our conference but we continue to say it’s only going to help in the section. My goal by the end of the season is to come out in our section very strong. The end goal is to win a sectional final.”

Pergola agreed:  “One thing I have learned from this season is to be optimistic. Our team moved up to the highest league in the Union County Conference and we definitely haven’t seen the results we wanted. The team and I know that playing top teams with this caliber will position us to succeed in states in early November. At the end of the season, my goal is for everyone in New Providence to remember this team. The team that had the best turn around in NPHS history!”

Being in a tougher division meant adjustments had to be made across the board.   

“As a captain, I definitely adjusted how I communicate towards other players. Having a positive attitude during tough games has allowed the team to fight till the end. Saying encouraging statements on and off the field has built my teammates confidence. I am so fortunate to have Grace and Carleigh next to me to keep the positivity going throughout the group during times like this”  Pergola said. 

Kelly agreed:  “This year since the competition is hard.  No one can do it by themselves. We have had to learn to work together and communicate with each other to try and get a win.”

The team’s willingness to push through adversity and work through these losses says a great deal about their shared bond and common goals.

Sophia Salazar, a returning varsity player, elaborated on the challenges of the season: “I think the biggest obstacle I’ve faced this season was constantly moving positions whether it was in the middle of the game or for just a couple of minutes. I feel the team helped me make quick adjustments through communication and patience.”

Teammate Gillian Poiesz added: “losing so many games has been hard on the team but I feel like we have come together more and made it more fun. We take it game by game and try to do our best and have fun even when the results aren’t there.”