After a tough loss in the final round against Seneca during the 2023-2024 season, the girls soccer team ended the season 16-6. In this most recent season, girls sought redemption and aimed to be named Central Jersey champions.
Head Coach Brandon Bond explains how important it is for his players to overcome obstacles and move on.
“As a coach, I am always trying to find ways to maximize the potential of our players,” Bond said. “I think the key to being a good team is to have a growth mindset and be constantly evolving and pushing forward.”
While the girls were not successful in becoming Group 2 champions, they did defeat their biggest rival, Delran, in their first matchup against the Bears with a huge 7-0 victory.
“I would say our biggest rival this season along with most other seasons would be Delran,” junior goalie Norah Quinn said. “It is always a big cross-town rival game and we always come out ready to compete.”
With seven seniors graduating after this season, their departure will greatly impact the team. It will also leave space for new roles to be filled next year both on and off the field.
“As a coach you hate to see players go, the relationships and camaraderie that come from being a part of a team are unlike any bond. There are always a lot of great memories together, and the relationships are what you miss the most,” Bond said “From a soccer perspective, every year there is turnover. Every year there is always a bit of apprehension but also excitement to see who steps up and into roles. Every season is a new one, with new challenges, and a new puzzle piece to put together.”
Senior and Captain Ava Sztenderowicz explains that the girls’ communication has been a huge part of their success this year.
“I have helped lead the team this season through communication on and off the field,” Sztenderowicz said. “It’s been easier this season as it’s my second season as captain.”.
Throughout the season Bond has paid close attention to how the girls have played individually and as a team. Some members have stood out going above and beyond, but everyone has played great together for and as a team.
“Our team is full of talent. I think there are several noteworthy players and players who have made big jumps for us this year,” Bond said. “A few individual players that come to mind are Mia Pacetti, Taryn Hymanson, and Mia Sztenderowicz (as a freshman) who make some very big contributions to our team that often go unnoticed or are overshadowed by some of our main contributors.”
Sophomore Mia Pacetti contributes to the team by being flexible and can fill in any position if needed.
“I’m very flexible when needed. If anyone is hurt I can be the one to fill the position no matter what,” Pacetti said. “During games, I get flipped around into different positions to help the team.”
Freshman Mia Sztenderowicz recalled some challenges the girls endured together within the season and how they continued to get past those challenges.
“We started the season off slowly and not playing the best we could but as the season went on we started to communicate better and everything came together,” Mia Sztenderowicz said.
The girls finished at the top of the Liberty division, ahead of Holy Cross and Delran, but ultimately ended their 2024 campaign with a 15-6-2 record losing to Wall in the semi-final round of the NJSIAA tournament.
