Frigid February air cuts across the field. Despite the biting cold, the high school girls soccer team battles through intense drills in preparation for the upcoming spring season. Coaches Faille and Gall shout directions as players work up a sweat under the setting winter sun.

The coaches hold extra practices every Tuesday from 4:30 to 5:30. These sessions help athletes regain form and build teamwork after a long hiatus from the pitch. “It’s really important to get contact with the ball before the season starts. Students usually come back after playing other sports, so they lose their ability to control the ball properly. It also takes time to get back on track, and the season itself is also very short,” Coach Faille said. 

Beyond skill development, the practices offer additional playing time and support their overall fitness, addressing the limited opportunities for match play in regular sessions. “There’s not much time for the girls to practice during the season since everyone’s so busy. This is why we recommend the girls to really use this opportunity to help them. It’s not much of a training session but more like an open field practice,” Coach Gall said.

While the coaches emphasize the technical and physical importance of these extra sessions, players also recognize the personal benefits that come from added pitch time. “With more opportunities to practice, I have extra time on low-intensity days to shore up on my weaknesses and get more feedback from the coaches. The rewards of doing this range from improving skillwise, and becoming a better teammate,” Sophomore centerback Sally Yun said. 

For some, the sessions provide a way to maintain their current level of athleticism and ease the transition between sports seasons. In eighth grade, girls play in the fall, and in high school they switch to spring, which means a year and a half pass by between serious turf time for ninth graders. “We have a long gap between our previous middle school season and this one. With these extra practices, we can work on both team and individual skills,” Freshman striker Luisa Silva said.

But heavy academic workloads and tight schedules limit participation at times. “I want to build healthy relationships and strong bonds because they bring a lot of motivation. With AP season approaching and overlapping with our practices, many people prioritize academics, which makes it difficult for us. Since we need at least four people to hold a practice, it’s been really challenging,” Junior right centerback Ellen Cho said.

Rather than adding pressure for full-time commitment, the coaches encourage flexible participation for all interested players, regardless of skill level. “We want to be good as a team and send our seniors in a good way with strong results. It doesn’t matter if they come once or every week. If you’ve never tried soccer, you’re more than welcome. The goal is to grow, improve skills, and build sportsmanship,” Faille said. 

Beyond technical improvement, the extra practices also stand out for their adaptability, which makes it easier for players to stay committed during busy scholastic periods. “The flexibility of the extra practices really helps during test season,” Sophomore center midfielder Kaylie Jeong said. “Because attendance isn’t strict, I can focus on my academics during busy weeks without feeling pressured, and when I do come to practice, I’m able to enjoy the sport and improve more,” Jeong said.

The malleable structure of these practices allow players to stay involved in the program while prioritizing both their academic and personal development. As practices carry on, the squad strives to sharpen their play and find their footing. With determination and grit, the girls build toward a strong return on the field for new opportunities ahead.