In the world of high school soccer, everything is competitive. If you are ever missing out on an opportunity to get better, you will get that much closer to being left behind. Every year, seniors leave high school soccer, leaving the gaps of their physical talent and leadership attributes that often fall to freshmen players to fill. Every other grade has settled in their position and role in the team. Freshman are wildcards that can still mold into the players that the team needs. The time freshmen have to prepare is the offseason and preseason. The offseason is the most decisive period of time for new players, and it makes or breaks their season. It is the chance for younger players to get fit and adapt to the new level of competition that is varsity soccer.

What is one way I could prepare and successfully adjust to make sure I leave a good impression on the coaches?

In varsity soccer, the most important and difficult aspect to adjust to is the way a new player needs to think, or a player’s mentality. You have to prepare your mind for work and pressure on your body in order to stay fit and ready. We interviewed Miles Li, a sophomore who played varsity soccer last year, and his advice was, “You have to put your head down and do the work.” This idea that you have to brace yourself and get through the work builds good habits. It is what separates the good players from the great players. It’s not wanting to work out and doing it anyway. At the varsity level, you experience a lot of pressure. Despite this, you need to be confident in order to stay at the top of your game. Miles says it’s important that you’re not “afraid to be yourself,” that you should “always try your hardest, and varsity players will see that.” Show personality, passion, and determination. This will make you more noticeable as a good player. This will also give you more minutes.

One other mindset that is a must-have for players who play at a high level is openness to advice or feedback. Miles said to “be respectful of your older teammates, don’t think you're better than them.” Coaches and teammates are there to help. They have more experience, and they will be of use. They have done this before and know better than you, no matter how good you think you are. Everyone has someone who is better than them, so you should always look to people who are more experienced and skillful.

Are there going to be any other changes to the team?

Now that you know how to deal with problems, here are the changes that are happening. These often include the losses of skillsets in certain positions. Last year's goalkeeper, Felix Andreae, no longer plays in net. Instead, he prefers to take his height and strength to the top of the lineup at striker. The goalkeeper spot is to be filled by Arlo Hochman. The Park City goalkeeper is set to be the only rostered goalkeeper for Rowland Hall this season. Any injuries, and an outfield player will have to fill in the net.

More changes include the position change of Fran Fierro, who is looking to move out of center back and into the midfield as a transition player. Other players may be forced out of position by this change, such as outside back to center back. This also means that there will be more competition for the midfield positions

In conclusion, there are changes happening in high school soccer, some that everyone can control, some that only certain people can control, and some no one can. What really matters is how you adapt to those changes and get better. Whether that’s training harder, learning a new skillset, or being more committed, there is always something you have to be doing in order to get better.