The Sequoia Girls Soccer team kicks off the 2023-2024 season after winning CCS division one and placing 2nd in the Bay Division last year. They hope to continue their success after starting the preseason with two wins, one loss and one tie.
The team plays Mountain View High School on Tuesday, December 12th, and looks to bounce back after a 1-0 loss against Archbishop Mitty.
“So we lined up a pretty tough preseason this year, like the toughest we’ve ever played. Both [Mountain View and Archbishop Mitty] reached out to me to ask us to play which has never happened,” head coach Melissa Schmidt said.
Schmidt has been coaching girls soccer at Sequoia for 17 seasons along with being a math teacher. Taking on the role of an athletic director at Sequoia, she appreciates coaching her students.
“I really love being able to be with students in a different way. Like coaching is so different from teaching and to have a group of students that I get to know really well. Year in and year out, it’s just it’s a cool experience, and everyone wants to be here,” Schmidt said.
The Peninsula Athletic League (PAL) Bay Division is the top division in the PAL. Sequoia girls soccer was at the top of the Bay Division last year. Despite a lot of pressure to perform again, they have discussed their goals for the 2023-2024 season.
“My goal is to help the team grow and help these newcomers from varsity build their confidence. Going into next season, without the company of the returning varsity players, I want them to be confident in themselves as players and human beings as well,” senior captain Addison Haws said.
Not only is the soccer team searching for success, but they look forward to building connections with their classmates and friends on the field.
“I find it so fun, competing against other schools especially because you get to know a lot of other players as well. Playing for a school with a high level team is super fun to test and challenge yourself. Competition is something that motivates me a lot and I kind of live it throughout my life whether it’s in sports or trying to do the best in school,” Haws said.