NOCTILUCA May 2018

SPORTS Appleton, Wisconsin May 2018 Volume XXlll

Issue V Page 12

Team chemistry and leadership: Looking back at the Girls’ Soccer Team

the past. Allowing for a sense of trust and unity amongst the team making working together a lot easier to do,” said Brynn Desens. Coach Daun agreed with Desens and added, “Our varsity squad has grown up a lot. We are continuing to learn how to work together more as a cohesive team. Overall, I have noticed how they look out for each other, increase the intensity levels at practice, and enjoy being together on and off the field.” Having team chemistry is huge. When everyone is on the same page, exciting things can happen. The team is fo- cusing on what they can con- trol. Which includes becom- ing closer on and off the field. They are not looking back to last year and trying to figure out what went wrong. Coach Daun expected a lot out of her team this year too. “I expect my athletes to work hard throughout the entire sea- son, support their teammates, work to improve their skills to benefit the entire team, and make positive choices on and off the field,” she said.

There is more to being suc- cessful than working hard dur- ing practice or games though. “Becoming more vocal is something I have been work- ing on, and I feel confident in my ability to see the field and communicate with my team- mates,” said Beecher. Desens worked on becoming more of a leader too. “I have become more vocal with the players around me. That way when we are playing with each other, it is much easier to do.” “I want to do some- thing a little better than the last, and really just finish the season and my soccer career on a high note.” - Brynn Desens The girls were really excited for this year’s season and ex- pect a lot out of themselves. All the hard work they put in is finally paying off. “One of my main goals being to improve my game each time I step out

on the field,” said Desens. “Whether it’s something small or something big I want to bet- ter my game to prepare myself for my collegiate career for the years to come,” she added. “Each game I want to do something a little better than the last, and really just finish the season and my soccer ca- reer on a high note, leaving it all on the field,” said Beecher. As the senior captains play their last season, they want to be the enjoy the game for as long as they can. Desens said, “I want to be able to look back at my season and reflect back on everything I accomplished. And hopefully to end my high school career on a high note with no regrets.” The experienced Girls soc- cer team is ready for whatever may be thrown at them. They are now ready for playoff time. Hopefully, they are able to add some shiny hardware to an already loaded trophy case at Appleton North.

The 2017-18 Appleton North varsity girls’ soccer team. Photo courtesy of Nathan Werner

to bring home some hardware in their final season of high school soccer. Kylie Beecher, Lexi Jones, and Brynn Desens are leading the charge for the team as the captains. “Our varsity squad has grown up a lot. We are continuing to learn how to work together more as a cohesive team.”

By Kyle Hoffenbecker

It was a successful season for the Appleton North Girls’ soccer team last year, and that trend continues. A deep run in the state tournament was one of the highlights for the team. However, there is always more room to improve. All a Sec- tional Final loss to Bay Port did was make the team hungry for more. Three of the team’s captains are returning for their senior seasons, hoping

“This year’s team is more like a family than it has been in

Athletes of the Month

Sara Allison - Senior - Softball 1. How did you get involved with softball? I started playing t-ball when I was 4 years old.

Ethan Dercks - Senior - Track

1. How did you get involved with track?

My old school used to have a once a year track event at FVL. So, I would go to that every year and I got hooked. Football and track. I can’t say either is my favorite because there are positives and negatives to both. It’s hard to really pick one moment. However, any time I set a personal record in an event, it’s a big deal for me and it makes me feel good about myself knowing that the work I’m doing is trans- lating to meets. It’s not just a competition but a social event too. You get to know a lot of people from other schools without the bad blood. Track is ultimately a sport where you compete against yourself. Keeping a consistent schedule. It makes life a lot easier when you get into the right routine.

Also, my mom played soft- ball when she was younger so she kind of pushed me to continue playing.

2. Are you involved in any other sports, if so, which is your favorite?

2. Are you involved in any other sports, if so which is your favorite?

I am not involved in any other sports. Softball is definitely my favorite.

3. What has been your favorite high school sports moment so far?

Probably winning region- als my sophomore year. We were not supposed to win that game, but we came back and won the game.

3. What has been your favorite high school sports moment so far?

Ethan participating in his pri- mary event, the long jump. Photo courtesy of Michael Berge

4. What is your favor- ite part about softball?

When I hit the ball. I love the feeling of getting a base hit.

4. What is your favor- ite part about track?

I use off hours during the school day to stay caught up on everything. By the time the school day is over, I can focus on soft- ball rather than any school work I would have to do at home.

5. How do you man- age your time between school, sports, and any other activities you are a part of?

5. How do you man- age your time between school, sports, and any other activities you are a part of?

Sara swinging away on the softball diamond. Photo courtesy of Sara Allison