The Lakeland girls’ varsity soccer team found a new spark this season to mark one of the most memorable seasons yet. Under the new guidance of first-year head coach Melissa Walker, the team was built into something remarkable. From being the predicted underdogs to becoming a competitive team from the region, the girls proved that with hard work, good results will follow. 

The team ended the season with an impressive 11-8 record, showing extreme growth and resilience throughout the season. The team under coach Walker’s direction has changed the team as a whole.

Captain Samantha Powers said, “Our new coach has shown how underdogs can overcome anything and make their way to the top if you work hard enough and you can’t do that by yourself, you need your team.” 

As a whole, the team agreed that Walker’s coaching changed the dynamic and culture of the team for the better. The team would not be the same without Walker and all the hard work the girls put in. 

Proving the team could put up a fight, one of the most memorable moments was when the girls got second in the conference after an extremely strong fight against competitive teams like Wayne Valley, Wayne Hills, Fairlawn, and more. Continuing to the post season, the team made it to the semi-final round of counties and ended the game in penalty kicks, showing they were one tough team to beat. Lakeland girls’ soccer also qualified to the first round of States, winning against Morris Tech with a score of 4-0. 

Unfortunately, the season ended shortly after in the second round of the playoffs. While losses do happen, the team has learned how to push through and persevere through it all. 

“We overcome [tough losses] by just shaking it off and moving onto the next,” said Powers. 

There were many amazing players this season, but some of the most outstanding performers on the offensive side were senior and captain Adelyn Smith, scoring 15 goals this season which contributed to the team’s success. Smith has been a standout leader this season, not only wearing the captain’s armband with confidence, but also leading the team on goals. With the most goals this season, she has consistently delivered and showed up against the most competitive teams in the region.  

Along with Smith, sophomore Jenna Zahr was also a huge part of the team’s success scoring 12 goals with nine assists. Another secret weapon was Jaelynn Vivanco who controlled the middle of the field and was exactly where the team needed her to be at all times. These three girls have shown remarkable talent and without them, the team would not be where they are today.

On the defensive side, there were many girls who stood out tremendously. Three captains, Samantha Powers, Christina Link, and Jaclyn Catalioto, brought a combination of talent, discipline, and leadership to every game. Their ability to read the game, organize the back line, and step up in critical moments kept the team steady under pressure and inspired confidence throughout the roster. Their commitment to the team and game as a whole cannot be overlooked, because without those three girls, the team would not have gone as far as they did.  

While there was a lot of success this season, the girls did also come face-to-face with losses, but the team knew how to get back up and not let the losses define who they were as a team. Players Smith and Powers agree that the atmosphere of the team is “very supportive and fun and everyone has each other’s backs on the team no matter the grade or team we are on.” This can be directly attributed to the four captains and Coach Walker for creating a safe environment on and off the field. 

The Lakeland girls’ varsity soccer team has battled through a season filled with both big wins and tough losses, but what truly stands out is the growth, resilience, and competitive fire they’ve shown every step of the way. Walker’s leadership shifted the culture of the program in all the right ways. Her commitment to building a strong foundation and focusing on hard work, unity, and confidence has helped the players believe in themselves and in each other.

A new standard in Lakeland girl’s varsity soccer has been set and this will shape the future of Lakeland soccer. If the team continues on this path by carrying forward the mindset and culture Coach Walker has instilled, there’s no doubt they’ll make history in the years to come.