Foxes senior soccer player Kate Friday learned a lot by following the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup games. The most important lesson, she says, is how to turn around a game that is not going your way.
“When the U.S. played the Netherlands, I learned a lot from Lindsey Horan, specifically,” says the Xavier recruit, who has spent some of the offseason with the Riverhounds Academy League, where she gets to play with NCAA Division I athletes. “After being fouled pretty badly when they were losing 0-1, Lindsey put her frustration into the game itself and scored a header in the second half. I really am inspired by her passion and determination. I can put this into my own playing and understanding to try and lead my team to success. I think she showed an important lesson for all female athletes during the game.”
Junior Maya DiPasquale has similar thoughts.
“I think the World Cup has really highlighted that any game is winnable,” says Maya, a three-year starter and outside back. “There have been some big upsets, and it has shown that team cohesion and leadership play a big role in games. From watching, I have learned that being adaptable as a player and being able to contribute to a team in multiple aspects is what makes players stand out.”
This season’s Foxes team is determined to assume that same never-give-up attitude after a disappointing 2022 season fraught with injuries that largely necessitated a new lineup almost every game. This season’s team members are more than ready to move on from that difficult experience and believe they have the right combination of players and the mindset to make that happen.
In addition to Kate and Maya, high-level senior players Sydney Schutzman and Anna Troutman have returned, as well as juniors Madeline Grimsley, Gianna Patterson, Alyssa Quackenbush, Paige Solomon, and Bella Urso. Further strengthening the lineup are sophomores Summer Hill, Lily McLaughlin, and Cassie Classen, and there are a number of talented freshmen who could contribute, especially on the front line.
“I think that we have a very strong defensive and midfield, and I’m really excited to see the impact the new players can make,” Kate adds.
Coach Carlo Prati also has several options for keepers, including Gianna and sophomore Adele Greenawalt, and freshmen Lauren Bachman and Lia Pizzella, all of whom are vying for time.
Commitment Strong All Summer
Preparing for the new season always begins way before the whistle blows to kick off the first game. Voluntary summer practices and strength and conditioning training are preparing even the most seasoned players for the tough competition they will face after moving to a new and very difficult section last year.
“Summer practices are going great so far,” says Maya, who along with Kate, runs for the school’s track team in the winter and spring to keep in shape. “There is definitely more participation this summer than the previous summer, especially with the upperclassmen. It’s great to have many older and more experienced players at practices, especially when there are also a lot of younger players.”
Some of those younger players include girls from last year’s undefeated Dorseyville Middle School soccer team.
“I’ve really wanted this program to become more of a family. Having both the middle and high school teams support each other, not only during the season but in the offseason, really makes the transition easier for players. It’s great to see a variety of ages and skill levels working together to improve this program,” says Coach Prati, now in his second year with the program.
“The summer sessions have been going nicely, with more than 30 high school girls coming out each session, and more than 40 girls when the middle school players are added in,” adds Coach Prati. “I’ve been extremely happy with all the girls this summer. There’s definitely a more positive feel to the team all around. They’re bonding together nicely, and we’re extremely excited to get started on August 14.”
“Our team has fantastic leadership this year,” Maya says. “Many of the upperclassmen have played together for a few years now and communicate very well together. They are also great at giving simple bits of advice or motivation to younger players. This senior class has really taken charge and has been great leaders throughout the summer. The girls have all come in really motivated to play at a high level and get back into the playoffs.”
