The 2025 Lakeview Girls High School Soccer team has been showing off their growth and determination this season, displaying a strong sense of teamwork and impressive skills. The Bulldogs are off to an impressive start this season with a 5-1 record. Combining returning players with promising new talent, this season promises the potential for another victorious year.
The Bulldogs also celebrate the accomplishments of their senior leaders, with two standout athletes preparing to take their game to the collegiate level. MaKenna Doran will be kicking off her next chapter with the soccer program at Penn West Clarion, and Annabelle Humphrey will be continuing her soccer journey at Penn West Edinboro University.
Humphrey comments, “I am proud that I can now take this opportunity as a testament to my hard work. Each of my coaches have always given me support and taught me lessons based on teamwork, dedication and perseverance. They gave me the opportunity to play in one of the most competitive D2 conferences in the nation, and I’ll forever be grateful for that.”
Leading the charge this year is a new head coach, Heather Sferra, who brings a fresh perspective and loads of experience to the program. She makes it known that she wants nothing more than the best for her athletes, and the team can see it too. With lots of returning players, they looked forward to both a new season and a new coach.
Sophomore Jillian Marble acknowledges the impact of Sferra’s coaching, emphasizing, “She is a really good coach and communicates and talks to us a lot from the sidelines, which is very helpful for us and different because our last coach didn’t do that as much.”
The team is led by 4 captains: Sophie Irwin, Leah Clark, Doran, and Humphrey, each acquiring a different set of skills and leadership qualities to the field. Their experience is crucial in guiding the younger players and maintaining team unity throughout the season.
Doran adds, “The captains have been working together to help the younger players on this team by encouraging them to work hard on getting touches not just on the field but also on their own time at home. To keep our team united, we have been doing a lot of team bonding and building our friendships as much as we can.”
Last year, the team showcased resilience and determination, battling through a tough schedule to go far in the playoffs. While the season ended sooner than they hoped, the experience has fueled their hunger for greater success this year. Fortunately, it allowed the team to see what needs worked on, so they can better it for this season.
Senior Claire Marble reflected on the challenges of last year, expressing, “Last soccer season, the team didn’t get as far as we wanted because we weren’t as well-conditioned as we needed to be. This affected the entire team negatively as we kept losing games, which ultimately caused us to be too hard on ourselves. Since conditioning was a major weakness last year, our main focus this season has been building endurance and strength early on so that this year we can have a longer and more successful season.”
As the season progresses, the Lakeview girls’ soccer team is focused on continuous improvement. They are committed to honing their skills, refining their tactics, and building the mental toughness necessary to compete at the highest level.
With a talented roster, a new and dedicated coach, and a strong team culture, the Lakeview girls’ soccer team is poised for a season of promise and potential. This upcoming Tuesday, they’re set to face the Poland Bulldogs. The game will start at 7:30 following the boys game. Come on out and support the team!
