Class of ‘22 Takes Masterman Girls’ Soccer to Another Level

In 2018, the girls had an exceptional winning streak lasting ten games, and for the first time in the program's history the team beat Central High School. This victory continues to be one of the best Masterman soccer moments for the seniors. Not only did the team excel on the field, but the girls also started to build relationships with one another, setting the standard for a tight-knit team. The next year the team lost the strong graduating seniors, so expectations were not as high. However, the team ended up finishing in the top of the standings, losing only in the semifinals against Franklin Towne in overtime. “We were competitive in every game, which is a norm that wasn’t previously there,” senior Quinn Sanderson explains while reflecting on her sophomore year.

The pandemic interrupted the Class of 2022’s junior season, but could not stop the team’s rising success. The public league soccer season was shortened and moved from the fall of 2020 to the spring of 2021. It was my first season playing on the team, and I was able to witness the outstanding performances of the Class of 2022. Despite the hardships of the pandemic, the girls’ soccer team made it all the way to the championship game, losing to Central 3-1.

This season, the team emerged as one of the strongest groups the program has ever seen, notably beating Franklin Towne 2-0 and tying Central 0-0 in double overtime. The team suffered a brutal semifinal loss to Franklin Towne in overtime, an inaccurate reflection on the incredible season.

“Soccer is fun, that’s why we’re all on the team, but we are all so much closer than that in real life,” points out Malena Parrado, a senior captain this year. I know just what she means. In my own experience, sometimes the environment feels less like a school sports team and more like a family. One way in which the seniors created this close bond was through our Instagram page (@ladydragons21). “As silly as it sounds, the Instagram improves the culture for us… we can have fun with it,” says Quinn. The bus rides to and from games are another key ingredient of the team's culture that the seniors have built. Songs blast from the back of the bus, and by the end of the ride almost all the girls are screaming the lyrics to some of the team's favorite pregame songs. That energy, rooted in the girls’ deep love for soccer and one another, is a direct result of the seniors' unique talent and connection.

Jackie Gonzales, a junior, has seen the seniors grow as people and players over the past three years. “There have been times where I wasn’t sure if I should keep playing soccer or not, and then I’d come to practice and they’d all be really pumped up… that would make me more excited.” The seniors encourage everyone to be their best. When speaking about the character of the Class of 2022, Mr. Roache identified three key aspects: passion, togetherness, and talent. “They’re together in everything they do,” he adds.

The team’s unity, skill, and enthusiasm not only made the soccer season fun, but it also helped the team improve. Quinn highlighted the importance of a balance between hard work and fun, and stressed the positive impact of upping the intensity at practices this season, an effort led by the seniors. Oona Toman, a senior captain, identified defense as something the team has drastically improved over her four years. This year, the team focused on solidifying the back line, which led to a formation change that was largely successful. Oona also mentions corner kicks as something the team has perfected. “They became a major scoring opportunity for us… we were really able to capitalize on them.” Malena notes the value of the Class of 2022’s chemistry while playing. “We have really good communication on the field, we are always talking to each other. That sets the standard for the underclassman.”

When asked to compare the girls’ soccer program now versus before the Class of 2022 started playing, Mr. Roache affirms that now the goal is always to win the public league championship and qualify for state playoffs. “It’s always been one of our goals, but I think it’s more realistic and attainable now.” The Class of 2022 has evened the playing field between our school and larger, historically dominant teams such as Central. These nine superb players and teammates have raised the standard for the Masterman girls’ soccer program in terms of both community and talent, which has led to the expectation of excellence.

Losing nine seniors next season will certainly be tough, but the legacy of the players will stick with the team forever and help us rebuild and continue to be successful. “Once a dragon, always a dragon,” says Mr. Roache. “They will always be a member of this team.”

Shoutout to the nine amazing seniors on the girl’s soccer team: Guiliana Alleva, Sarah Cooperman, Shawnette James, Roisin Keenan, Hannah Lux, Malena Parrado, Maia Perrault, Quinn Sanderson, and Oona Toman.