After a win against rivals Plainfield East on Tuesday night, the boy’s soccer team has a record of 17-3-2 entering IHSA regional finals. They are coached by Kevin Fitzgerald who is in his 23rd year of coaching varsity soccer.
“I love the sport. It’s nonstop action for the most part,” Fitzgerald said.
Some key players have been noticed during the season.,
“We have a number of talented players, especially our captains who are excellent leaders as well- Sebastian Chavez, Abraham Contreras, Marshall DeGraff, and Elijah Rodriguez,” Fitzgerald said.
Coach Fitzgerald has high hopes for the team, and the players reflect the same ideals.
“I want to break the school shutout record which is currently at 12,” junior, Marshall DeGraff said.
The team has goals to continue far into the postseason following the successful regular season.
“We want to make it far into the playoffs this year,” senior, Henry Lambert said.
Even with their success the team has room to improve in several different aspects of the game, but especially mentally.
“We need to continue to stay mentally focused on every match as each presents a different challenge,” Fitzgerald said.
Athletes need to be physically and mentally tough to be successful at a high level according to Fitzgerald.
“It’s a great game that demands athleticism, agility, speed, endurance, strength, and intelligence to play effectively,” Fitzgerald said.
Along with the success, optimism brews within the coaches and players.
“We have had a great season so far, we have grown a lot,” sophomore, Lucas Martinez said.
Winning is a great way to form memories with teammates that will last a lifetime.
“My favorite part of this season was beating West Aurora, they are a top team and it was an exciting game,” senior, Sebastian Chavez said.
Chavez was awarded Male Athlete of the Week after a great week of play that included the West Aurora win.
However, he doesn’t take all the credit.
“We have a great team, we have a great connection,” Chavez said.
The constant success of the team brings players in every year. Success seems to be part of what the soccer team does.
“I just wanted to be part of the culture here, that is why I joined,” DeGraff said.
