As the sun sets over Bellevue East High School, the girls varsity soccer team takes over the field. Dressed in purple, black, and white uniforms, the players show off their skills, determination, and team dynamics to the crowd. Players stand along the sideline with pride and anticipation while cheering on their teammates. The team’s passion shines, brightening the field.

The coaches having an understanding of their athletes’ behavioral styles and the way they interact will give the team the greatest chance at success. According to the Athlete Assessments, when coaches have that kind of knowledge about their athletes, it provides an exceptional way to coach the overall team. It also allows coaches to see where the team’s diversity can improve.

 “Grace Elstiste is one of our captains and she has really helped us feel confident about our play style. Lilly Jones as well. She has improved so much and has come so far and I really admire that,” junior Gabby Dill said.

It’s very possible to be the best coach ever and still not see the exact progress wanted in the team’s dynamic because there is no team captain. Having a team captain (or multiple) is crucial, especially in a high school sport. According to Hustle Training, coaches are unable to relate to the players as well as the players can relate to each other. Having team captains is such an important point to consider when trying to balance the team dynamic. 

“Up to this point of the year, our two captains Fallyn Glomb and Grace Eltiste have done a great job of setting the standard at practice and in games. Those two have played the most minutes of games so far with senior defender Natalie Roberts and freshman goalie JJ Reimer,” head coach Nathan Frankman said.

With each practice and each game, the bond among the girls continues to grow stronger. The reflection of their commitment and diligence towards their sport and each other. Despite the challenges of the demanding season, the team remains united in their persistence to reach victory and personal growth.

 “We have had a pretty tough start to the season as we have played some really good teams so far. I’ve been very impressed with our growth each game and improving each day throughout the year without taking any major steps backwards,”Frankman said.

In the highs of the team’s victories and the lows of their defeats, the team found unwavering support from their close ones, coaches, and fans, who stuck by their sides through every thrilling second and setback. According to Student Athletes Scholars, student-athletes having a support system such as friends, family, mentors, and coaches can aid student athletes in managing their emotional health and coping with the stresses of competition in the season.

 “Our parents section is amazing and our team loves hearing them cheer us on,” Dill said.

With every sprint, assist, and goal, the girls push themselves past their limitations, with a shared passion for the game and a desire to succeed within their hearts. As they execute each individual pass, their countless hours of practice become evident. The realization that their determination to improve and their hard work fuels them to keep pushing forward.

 “The high school soccer season goes so fast and you play so many games in such a short amount of time. We expect a lot from our girls and demand a lot from them both physically and mentally. The team has really committed themselves to what we are trying to build as a staff,” Frankman said.

The actions of the Girls’ Varsity Soccer team speak numerous volumes. They leave lasting impressions on each other, opponents, and spectators. Their high levels of sportsmanship remind every team member that in the end, it’s not entirely about winning or losing but how the game is played. 

“I have seen many examples of sportsmanship that have been inspiring this soccer season just from all of the girls,” assistant coach Laura Heath said. “Specifically when another one of the girls is injured or something is happening on the field. I’ve seen time and time again the girls on our team continue to go to the other player, help them up, make sure they’re okay and that is sportsmanship at its finest to me, for our soccer program.”