Coming off a history-making season, which included their first regional championship in over 20 years and a state quarterfinal game, girls’ soccer looks to continue that trajectory with another deep playoff run and carry those experiences and strong connections into this season.

Led by an experienced group of returning players, this team has strong chemistry. “[Last year] we were really connected as a unit,” senior captain Mia Stubbins said. “And I think this year that might’ve gotten better, so I’m looking forward to it.”

Heading into the season, expectations are high amongst the team. “I’m very happy with our performance last year, but I think this year we can go farther. Our main goal is to win regionals and then states, but to do that we need to make sure we put in a group effort and train at game speed,” senior striker and wing Isy Caban said.

Indeed, challenging training is a focal point for this group, according to players and coaches alike. Social studies teacher Chris Thompson, who has coached girls’ soccer at this school since 2003, said that his goals this season are to “make training engaging, demanding, and meaningful: Win every game.”

Though the ultimate goal is to win, Stubbins said the team also wants to “[get] more confident in our abilities and [work] to keep possession more.” “Being more calm and composed… is an important goal for us,” Stubbins said. “We have a pretty tough schedule this year, and so keeping composure even when we’re playing really good teams, I think is also [important].”

Despite a schedule that includes several top opponents, this team has all the tools to be successful, including elite athleticism. “We have lots of fast athletes and competitive individuals,” Caban said. “We need to work on transitioning up the field and the final third [and] scoring.”

Another strong point of this team is their sense of unity. Heading into this season, the team’s strengths are “team camaraderie and cohesiveness… good technical players who combine well,” Thompson said.

This sentiment was echoed by the players. “I think the biggest [strength] is… our connection. I would say we’re a really tight group and we really uplift each other, even when we’re playing hard teams or difficult games… which helps with on the field and also just [creates] a good atmosphere,” Stubbins said.

This bond was evident in the team’s season opener, a heartbreaking 1-0 loss to Century High School. “I thought we played one of the best games I have seen as a coach and a fan of Wootton since 2003,” Thompson said. “We just could not find the back of the net.”

Members of the team were similarly complimentary of the performance, despite its disappointing result. “It was just an unlucky last-minute goal. I’m very proud of the team, we definitely outplayed Century… I think we set a standard for the rest of the season,” Caban said.

That standard is one that should encourage students to attend games and support the team throughout their season. “We’re fun to watch, it’s a fun experience,” Stubbins said. “We’re going to be playing a bunch of very interesting games and… intense competition.”

Girls’ soccer’s full schedule can be found on the Wootton Athletics website. JV is coached by Jillian Coon, from Robert Frost Middle School. Students can follow both teams on Instagram at @woohoottongsocc and @woottonjvgsocc_. “This is a really smart and [hard-working] group,” Thompson said. “These [kinds] of people are why I want to be a part of the soccer program here at Wootton. They make me so proud.”

The Patriots’ next game is at Walter Johnson on Wednesday, Sept. 24 at 7:15 p.m..