Girls’ soccer dribbles through construction
Every sport has their typical venue; between courts, fields and pools, there is a respective place for all athletes to practice. If this area was taken away, change would arise. Beginning on Dec. 22, 2025, the Newbury Park High School [NPHS] track and field has been under construction, altering the girls’ varsity soccer season.
Going into her ninth season at NPHS, Emily Williams, head coach, shares her approach to the modified conditions. While adjusting to this season has been a change, the team was still able to host their regular events including preseason home games like senior night and Katie’s Save night. “The only thing that has really changed is there has to be a lot more communication, because our schedule and our locations and all of that are obviously kind of all over the place. Every day looks different,” Williams said.
Following a preseason record of 6-1, the team’s next goal is to win the league and make it to CIF playoffs. Williams also hopes for success in improving mindsets along with gameplay. “I think it’s really important to find the balance between being competitive and wanting to challenge yourself and win, while at the same time, being a good person and encouraging others,” Williams said.
Although field conditions may be different, Leah Muger, junior and defensive midfielder, shares how team spirit has improved. “It is an experience that we have to work through together, and that ultimately helps us build a stronger bond with each other,” Muger said. After an early win against Oaks Christian on Jan. 6, who the team had not beat since 2019, momentum is high for the rest of the season. “The fact that we are still having a great season so far, despite the field being closed, is also very encouraging […]. Hopefully we can keep that momentum up this season, even with not having a home field to play on,” Muger said.
With a focus on facilities and scheduling of sports at NPHS, Jason Klein, athletic coordinator, plans practices and games. Between rain causing floods and limited field availability concerning all NPHS soccer teams, arranging practice times has led girls soccer to practice at Peppertree park, the NPHS baseball fields and an indoor arena in Camarillo. “[Planning practices] was kind of a confluence of working together with all of our coaches and whatever we could find that was available in the area,” Klein said. Klein speaks to the long-term benefits which will come from a new field. “Anytime that you’re able to upgrade a facility, it just makes things better […] It improves the quality of play and improves the quality of training,” Klein said.
On Jan. 30, the team will face off against Oaks Christian again at 7 p.m. Until then, the team hopes to continue adapting to and training through their circumstances. “We’ve had a good outlook on the situation, and we’ve just tried to keep a positive mindset and not let it affect us in any way,” Williams said.
