To most, October simply marks the start of fall, seasonal depression, and spooky festivities… with the exception of the Garfield’s Women’s Soccer team. With practices and summer conditioning starting in July, the Bulldogs anticipate October, their moment to finally showcase their hard work and preparation. But what really sets them apart is the close-knit culture and connection within the team.
With Garfield Soccer being so competitive and arguably “exclusive”, it comes as quite the contrast how much the Girls team truly values community. “The better you know someone outside of soccer… the better you’re going to be able to work with them.” Sydney Joanovic, Varsity Team Captain, said regarding team chemistry. Teammates share so much more in common than soccer; it’s not rare for players to be friends on and off the field. Emi Skerrit, Junior Varsity Striker, reflected on how much those relationships meant when joining the team. “My freshman year on the team, I made so many senior friends on the team and that just felt so special.”
Another aspect the team takes seriously is honesty. “Everybody has to be able to be okay with taking feedback, and be okay giving feedback… it’s not personal.” Joanovic said. Pertaining to captain duties, Joanovic further explained what she considers to be her responsibility in this leadership role, “I try to make sure I’m doing everything at a high tempo and even if I mess up it’s okay because everyone makes mistakes.” This sense of realness is what keeps the team at 100% effort, not to mention the point they want to prove this season.
“We’re not just some underprivileged and violent school.” Skerrit stated when speaking on the stigma surrounding Garfield High school. Despite it still being early in the season, the girls soccer team has already faced numerous issues regarding their home turf, Memorial Stadium. “It’s because Garfield has a weird reputation right now… other schools are judging us because of [a] stereotype. It’s making it harder for us… we’re getting kicked off our home field for Lincoln’s football practice.” Skerrit explained. Some speculate this may be linked to the recent incidents of violence at Garfield, while it may be completely unrelated.
Though the circumstances may not be ideal, Joanovic remained hopeful, looking on the bright side of having home games at Garfield rather than Memorial Stadium (where games have been held in previous years). It’s a little easier to come to the games [now], even if you have a lot of homework you could just bring your homework and sit on the sidelines.” Joanovic proposed. With more publicity and hype regarding their games this season, the team looks forward to larger student sections in games to come. When asked about how the student turnout can affect gameplay, Skerrit said, “it really brings that adrenaline rush, it’s really heartwarming.”
With the best matchups of the season yet to come, the girls team remains steadfast and motivated to bulldoze their way through the Metro League and put Garfield Women’s Soccer on the map. Soccer fan or not, you may want to consider attending a game or two– if not to witness some heated gameplay then to observe the pure excitement of the team.
