This past Friday my varsity girl’s soccer team completed the regular season with a district record of 6-7-1 and the overall record of 6-9-1. This has placed our team in fourth place in our district and has guaranteed us the first round in the tournament.
I would like to take this time to congratulate all the girls for a job well done! Last spring the varsity team had a winning less season. It was very difficult to compete with a very young team in a AAA league, but the girls worked hard and fought very hard to keep their head up. As we were preparing for this year in the off season, I was very encouraged to have a very good turnout. Many of the girls who have been playing for the team this year participated in the conditioning program that we had. They were ready to take on this year and they were willing to work hard. As a result I can see the pay off today. As I am writing this column today, I am overwhelmed with joy because I see what hard work can produce. I don’t think many people had faith in our team or believed that the Culpeper County Girls Varsity Team would even get to play the first round of the district, which only includes the top four teams.
We certainly had a very slow start. We had one win followed by a sequence of losses. I could see the team struggling to get back into the rhythm. We had to address a few issues and make some adjustments. I remember one day talking to the girls, after we finished playing every team for the first round, that we still have a chance to go to district. I showed them our stats and what we could do get there. The girls took it to heart and they were able to visualize the light at the end of the tunnel and they made a decision to work as hard as they could to be in the top four. We came from behind and battled through a number of obstacles, but nothing could stop this team from reaching the goal. If we had to end today I would say that these girls have accomplished a great deal. It’s not how you start, but how you finish that matters. I’ve learned so much working with these girls. Every year I learn how to be a better coach, how to interact and encourage with each player. I truly thank God for the opportunity that He has given me to serve the school.
To all my girls….Hilary Carter, Kristen Hall, Courtney Daymude, Haley Whitham, Emily Christian, Jamie Burkhardt, Samantha King, Tiffany Yowell, Courtney Dean, Rachel Harding, Jenna Eggborn, Brooke Malloy, Emily Thomas, Helen Rocha, and Ashleigh Christian, I wish you all the best in the district game on Monday. Although you will be playing against the top team in the league, I believe that all things are possible. In my book, win or lose, you are forever # 1! Therefore do not fear, do not worry, be calm, but yet focused. Remember this one is for Alana Hester. Don’t forget to finish strong. May God bless you.

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