Winter is coming, which means girls’ pre-season soccer is here. Beginning on Tuesday, October 14th, you can join them on Tuesdays and Thursdays after school, starting at 3:45 pm. Students will begin the season under the guidance of their new coach, Coach Gonzales.

Coach Gonzales shared that he has had many years of coaching experience at many different levels, and he is a certified soccer referee for Arizona. When asked why he chose to coach this year, he said, “Sahuaro alumni wanted to keep the consistency of a great soccer program and give coaching stability to the players by filling a long-term coaching position.” Showing he is not only a coach with experience but with passion to carry these girls to the end. He also shared what he’s excited for this season: “Being a new coach at Sahuaro, I am excited to get to know the players and teach fundamentals, sportsmanship, and continuity as a team.”

While try-outs aren’t until later, pre-season is a great way for new athletes to get a feel for the sport, meet future teammates, and meet our new coach. Coach Gonzales explained, “Pre-season is to get the girls that do not play soccer outside of high school ready for tryouts. Reacquainting players with fundamentals and conditioning.” This is a reminder that it’s not tryouts, but rather a way for athletes to prepare for practice, get in shape, and gain insights into what both tryouts and the season could look like.

These past few years, girls’ soccer has been creating bonds that could last lifetimes, while also facing the harsh reality of goodbyes to their senior players. These veterans carry the weight of having to rekindle that same team connection the following season. They are looking for more players to join them; experience or not, you can learn now. Pre-season is the time to find out.

Another Senior and veteran, Savanna Horning, shared that she was excited as well. “I am excited to see how I personally improve and to see my teammates. I enjoy getting to work hard and seeing how much better I perform over the years. The girls always make practice and games so much fun, and I can’t wait to be back in that atmosphere.” Savanna also shared some things for new players to know before coming in: “We are currently in the process of rebuilding our team. We have a new coach who is dedicated to building up our younger players so we have a solid team in the future. I would encourage girls to try out to be a part of something bigger than themselves. I also want people to have a place where they have a second family and can have fun while doing hard work.”

So if you’re looking for something new, with or without soccer experience, come out after school, on the girls’ soccer field, to join them in pre-season practice to find out if this is the team you’ve been looking for!