Girls’ varsity soccer takes on postseason
The girls’ varsity team wraps up their 2024-25 season by advancing to the first round of CIF playoffs. The team faced La Serna High School on Feb. 12 at 5 p.m. The game ended in a 0-0 tie, sending the game to penalty kicks. Unfortunately, Newbury Park fell short of La Serna and lost in penalty kicks 2-5.
Junior captain and goalkeeper for the NPHS girls’ varsity soccer team, Slater Copeland, reflects on the hard work and determination the team put in this season to get to the CIF playoffs. “Our regular season success was created with hard work and determination. We all practice together every single day and [had] weight room almost every week,” Copeland said. Through training and practice, the team was able to bond, which they feel strengthened their overall performance.
Newbury Park High School Alumni, Emily Williams, has been the varsity assistant coach for six years and just finished her second season as head coach. Heading into the playoffs, the team looks to be successful and show off the hard work they have put into the season. “Continuing to play our game of soccer as we head into the playoffs is key. Keeping a level head amongst all of the excitement is also paramount while enjoying the journey and the fact that all of our hard work is paying off,” Williams said.
Fourth-year varsity player and captain Maya Scoralle finished her final season playing for the NPHS Panthers. As a defensive back, Scoralle loves being a part of and helping both the offense and the defense. The Panthers finished the regular season beating Thousand Oaks [T.O.] 2-1 after being down 0-1, securing them a spot in the playoffs. Ending the regular season with a win motivated the team to do well later on. “We can carry our regular season success into the postseason by making sure to keep the same mentality that we had especially in our win against T.O.. Our team is super hyped and we want to show that our hard work has paid off,” Scoralle said.
Sophomore and defensive midfielder, Leah Muger, shared how the team supports each other through challenges. “The team has grown closer after going through the highs and lows of the season together as one big family,” Muger said. Through not only practices and training, the team was able to bond and grow together during team bonding events and dinners. The hard work put in throughout the season allowed for the team’s improvement in their abilities to stay positive when facing difficulties.
While soccer can teach lessons regarding how to face challenges, it also provides an environment where teammates can connect. Although the team lost in the playoffs, they have created memories that will be cherished along with bonds that will last a lifetime. “I think that this season our team has grown really close, not only as teammates but as a chosen family,” Copeland said.
