Steinert girls soccer has been a force to be reckoned with for years. Juliana and Adriana Ryder came in their freshman year already rising stars, quickly moving their way up the ranks to play varsity starting their sophomore year.

Both Juliana and Adriana have played soccer since they were five years old. They were introduced to the sport by being encouraged to play by their elementary school gym teacher. After playing in a camp, they soon discovered their passion for the sport. “We’ve always played soccer together, starting from the Wildcats, then to the Hibernians, and of course Steinert.” Says Juliana.

The Spartans entered the 2022 season as the team to beat in the Colonial Valley Conference. Since then, they’ve been undefeated with a tremendous record of 10-0. During the 2021 season, both combined for 23 goals and 10 assists to end the season with a 13-6-1 record. Adriana was First Team All-CVC with 14 goals and four assists and Juliana was an Honorable Mention pick with nine goals and six assists.

“Yes, there is a connection between me and Juliana on the field. We have a lot of chemistry because we have played together our whole lives. I always know what she’s thinking and vice versa.” Adriana said. When asked the same question, Juliana answered, “Most of the time we kind of just know what the other one wants without having to say it.”

In the off season, both play for the Hibernians, a club soccer league, alongside other team members from Steinert. When asked what is expected of them in the off-season, they are consistently trying to stay in shape. They both play basketball for Steinert as well.

While Juliana and Adriana are stellar athletes, they are also seniors and students as well. “It is very difficult to balance soccer and school. I tend to care more about soccer, but school should always come first. I try to manage my time as best as I can.” Says Adriana.

Juliana, when asked the same question said, “It can get difficult to manage both soccer and school if you don’t manage your time responsibly. For me, I don’t have an issue with that because I know that if I want to play soccer, I have to have good grades. I always find time to complete my work even if that means sacrificing some aspects of my social life.”

The twins have been among the top players in the CVC since their start as sophomores.. Both girls are planning on going to college. “I have 5 schools that I’m working with right now for soccer, but I’m undecided on what school I’m going to,” says Adriana. “I’m majoring in business and hoping to find a career path once I get into college.” Juliana hopes to play for the club soccer team wherever she ends up going to school.

The Lady Spartans Varsity Soccer Team has shown that they are not backing down from anyone, as they continue to gain momentum going into the rest of the season and into the postseason. It’s clear with the leadership, talent and class of both Adriana and Juliana, the sky’s the limit.