While many may focus on numbers and wins, the 2023 JV girls season was a story of perseverance, progression, and unbreakable bonding.
The season began with great anticipation and high hopes, but it quickly became evident that the team was facing unique challenges. Unexpected injuries at both the JV and varsity levels contributed to the loss of some key players. Despite the troubles, the 5-8 season was nothing to be ashamed of. There were wins and there were losses but the season wasn’t defined by the outcomes. The pride and joy came from how the team responded to these challenges.
Leading the team in goals was freshman captain, Madison Ayrassian. Ayrassian’s competitive nature is evident in her aggression on the field and intense desire to come out ahead. She was often found front and center at striker or in the diamond as a strong defender. She scored 12 goals for the Bears this season but unfortunately missed the last two games due to a hockey injury. Coaches look forward to several more years of Ayrassian ability.
Next on the boards were freshmen forwards, Reagan Kiah and Elena Abplanalp. Each had four goals and two assists this season. Their flawless crosses from the outside corners kept the center field fed for finishing opportunities.
Other forwards helping the Bears offense were Kaitlyn Holbrook, Daphne LaPierre, Bea Colello, Aaliyah LaPage, and Mia Wilson.
“Each of them have a unique strength and contributed to the positive energy, fun personality, and successful wins for the team,” said Coach Kim French.
Freshmen Hadley Green, Hannah Ames, and Sydney Oshier were all reliable midfielders with endurance for running and skill for control to transition the ball.
“It is always exciting to see players improve so much throughout the season. Something really clicked for these freshmen, especially toward the end of the season that made them shine on the field,” said French. “The newfound confidence brings exciting potential for next season as they continue to excel.”
The diamond defense stepped up their game after losing valuable sophomore Jenna Larrabee to the varsity squad. Sweeper Natasha Rossiter, fullback Olivia Bourdette, and stopper Shaylee Olmstead were the backbone of the team’s speed and stamina.
“These three girls are so sweet and full of humility and kindness. Put them on a soccer field and the integrity remains but there is no meekness about them,” French said. “I have thoroughly enjoyed working with my three sophomores, Natasha, Mia, and Shaylee on modified and then JV watching the growth and improvement. They are so coachable and fun as players and humans. I will miss them.”
The Bears roster was complete with two younger, but talented players in eighth grader Emma Bradish-Hayes and seventh grader Mamie Coburn. French had observed Bradish-Hayes’ abilities as a goalkeeper last year and asked her to join the team as an eighth grader at the start of the 2023 season. She was an asset and had countless saves, including a varsity level dive to stop a hard shot during one of the last games against Salmon-River. Coburn also demonstrates incredible potential, like her older sisters.
“We experimented with different positions for Mamie,” recalled French. “She’s young but versatile and really showed that she belonged and could handle the level of play no matter what position I put her in.”
Honorable mention goes to Ashlyn Beeles who spent most of the season supporting the team with music, bookkeeping, and sideline cheers but was unable to play due to injury. Beeles was released to participate in one game and came out strong scoring a goal for the Bears. Unfortunately it upset her ankle and she was unable to return to play.
The Bears displayed remarkable resilience throughout the season. Instead of dwelling on losses, they saw them as opportunities to learn and grow. They adapted their strategies, worked on their weaknesses, and continuously strived for improvement. There was tremendous growth in skill, endurance, and especially unity and teamwork. Regardless of the circumstances, they stood together as a cohesive unit.
Contributing to the cohesiveness, every game and practice began with a community circle where they discussed their strengths and weaknesses, their good times and bad, their favorite foods and animals, and anything else they decided to bond over. It created a family feel that was the hallmark of the season. Every player had each other’s back on and off the field. The bond they shared was the driving force behind their determination to succeed.
French thanked athletic director, Bill Porter, for his diligence and support, especially through the campus renovations that brought some challenges. Also varsity coach, Greg Kiah, for encouragement and inspiration, and all parents who dedicated their time and shared their athlete with the school sports community.
