The 2024 Lakeview Girls High School Soccer season showcases the commitment and growth that has been made for their team, featuring intense competition and a very promising season. As the Bulldogs take the field, all of the players showcase their skills and repetition for getting the win in the end. Although the Bulldogs are 4-3 with their record, they are currently working and building onto their set skills they already have to improve and get their record up.
It is a good thing for teams to focus on team bonding and on fostering a strong support system for their team to enhance, while also achieving more wins. Building and developing team chemistry is so important for success.
Leah Clark, one of four team captains for the Bulldogs voices, “This year we did a really good job of team bonding by doing things like having Pond Day, going tubing, etc. I believe that doing these things really improved our friendship and we are all like family.”
Another thing that the Bulldogs are focused on for this season is staying alive through the end.
The head coach of the Bulldogs, Anna Paolucci emphasizes, “We have a talented group this year. Our long-term goal is to make it to District Finals. To get there, we need to take one game at a time and make adjustments as needed.”
Of course every team would be very excited and thrilled that they made it to the District Finals. But, the Bulldogs have already done that, making and winning the District Championship in 2022. Although the Bulldogs fell short last year (2023), they are ready to come back from that and make up for every mistake and loss, leaving it all behind them and pushing for success.
Something that the Bulldogs are very proud of is that they have talent all around. This year, the team has a lot of improvements that are made by all players on the team. There are various leadership skills that are taken by the captains, Leah Clark (Junior), MaKenna Doran (Junior), Annabelle Humphrey (Junior), and Lorelai Lowe (Senior). Also, the seniors and younger players are taking their step up for all critical game moments and putting it into their game to help the team out all around to get the win in the end.
One thing that people think has hurt the Bulldogs in the past and currently is injury and fatigue. But, that doesn’t mean anything to them because they will always bounce back from it. Paolucci includes, “This year we have a great group of Freshman who are motivated and willing to put in the extra work. The amount of growth our new team members have made from the first open gym in winter to now is amazing. We have depth this year. As we get deeper into the season and into the playoffs, the ability to rotate will decrease fatigue and injury.”
The Bulldogs have done a great job of working to get their personal strength and conditioning up over the summer so they could have a very successful season. So, the team is in the best position at this moment, heading into their conference season. When injuries come to the table, it can be a hard thing to comprehend. Although, the Bulldogs will never let that reflect on their team, they take the importance of recovery very seriously to get all teammates back on the field.
When it comes to key matches that the Bulldogs are fiercely waiting for, Annabelle Humphrey emphasizes her enthusiasm for two specific games. Humphrey states, “Although there are many games that I am very excited about, I have two games in particular that I am very thrilled to be able to play. Those two games are the Poland Bulldogs and Niles Dragons. Both of these games make us think faster and they are very challenging overall.” While keeping all composure for this year’s season, it is very important to keep calm and have confidence.
Another key player who plays a big role for the Bulldogs, Lowe exclaims, “My main focus for this soccer season is just to win. We’re all about putting it away early and trying to play more relaxed…”
Additionally, Lowe gives voice to the importance of her pregame, “Personally, before a game I try to eat a good breakfast, have a healthy lunch, and an energy drink, while listening to some good pregame music to get ready to play!”
Overall, the Lakeview Bulldogs soccer season is currently in play and are looking for a very strong season while also showing marks of growth and resilience. The Bulldogs are not only striving for victory, they are also ready to build onto their skills and legacy of their program.
