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Saturday, August 26, 2023, TRIB-LIVE
Anna Troutman welcomed the opportunity to serve as a captain on the Fox Chapel girls soccer team. With the mix of players the Foxes have returning for this season, having strong leadership will be an important component for the team to return from the playoffs.
The Foxes have an influx of young players coming into the program after their middle school team finished undefeated last year. That meant there was plenty of preseason competition for playing time.There were four or five freshmen who had the potential to break into the lineup.
“It helped us a lot because usually when you make it to your senior year, you have your position in place,” Troutman said. “But this year, we really had to work at it. No one was safe.”
Fox Chapel knows that if it can’t find competition internally, the section will provide it quickly. North Allegheny and Seneca Valley are perennial playoff contenders at the WPIAL and PIAA levels. Last season, injuries slowed down the Foxes, who missed out on the playoffs by finishing 8-8-2 overall and 6-6-2 in section play.
The opportunities opened up by having veteran players out of the lineup may pay dividends this season. Foxes coach Carlo Prati saw a lot of growth from young players last year.
“We had a lot of big-time players injured,” Prati said. “We were able to get two or three freshmen in for lots of time last year. A lot of people were able to grow in their position and get time in right away. It will be a benefit in the long run.”
Troutman, an all-WPIAL and all-section selection last season, is eager to help guide this group back to the postseason. She was also a captain on the track team last spring and believes in strong leadership.
“I always wanted to be a captain,” Troutman said. “I remember being a freshman and having good captains to look up to. I know how scary it can be and can work with the younger girls on how to play varsity. A good captain can make a difference.”
Fox Chapel will also bring back Kate Friday, who was also an all-WPIAL and all-section player last year. Other returning starters for the Foxes include midfielders Sydney Schutzman, Maddie Grimsley and Alyssa Quackenbush, defenders Maya Dispaquale and Bella Urso and forward Cassie Classen.
“We’ve got a pretty quick and fast team this year,” Prati said. “I really like our speed this year. I’m hoping we stay healthy. With our section, every game we compete in is hard.”
Troutman has been happy with what Fox Chapel showed in the preseason.
“We were able to work the ball from back to front and finish well,” Troutman said.
Fox Chapel will have a mix of experience and potential this season. The Foxes know they will need to manage their opportunities well to keep winning.
“I think we need to be disciplined,” Patri said. “Last year, we were inexperienced and had trouble at times managing the game situation. Against Seneca Valley, we were winning 1-0 and gave up a goal at the end of the game and lost in overtime. It was inexperience.”