Edgewood HS girls soccer: A historic journey to the Western Indiana Conference Title
ELLETTSVILLE, Ind. — In a season marked by determination, teamwork, and unyielding spirit, the Edgewood High School girls’ soccer team made history by winning the Western Indiana Conference title outright for the first time. This triumph reflects not just their skill on the field but also the growth of the program, the bonds forged among teammates, and the unwavering support of the community.
Evolution of a Program
Coach Brittany Tucker has witnessed a significant transformation in Edgewood’s soccer program over the years. “Edgewood has never been expected to do well in soccer. It was always one of those sports that was there for fun, and if we did well, that was great, but that wasn’t the expectation. Now we are starting to expect more of ourselves. We talk about having a winning mindset, but also making sure we put in the work to back it up,” Tucker explained.
This shift in mentality has been crucial to their success this year. In past seasons, the team relied heavily on a few standout players. This year, however, the focus shifted to a complete team effort. “We went from relying on one person to score most of our goals to spreading out our attack and playing better soccer as a complete team,” Tucker added.
Seniors Kimmie Franklin, Rayne Venegas, and Sophie Beatty emphasized the positive atmosphere that has emerged this season. “The teamwork atmosphere has changed in a sense that we play for each other more. Rather than just to get ourselves better, we play to get the team better as a whole,” Franklin said.
Team Bonding and Growth
The bond among the players has significantly strengthened, contributing to their on-field success. “We have grown in our teamwork because of team bonding; we are all closer this year, and it makes us play better together,” Beatty stated. Venegas echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that trust has been a key component of their chemistry. “We have more trust in each other,” she said.
This team chemistry proved vital during challenging moments. In past years, a setback could have easily demoralized the squad. This season, however, the girls focused on encouragement and positivity. “In the Greencastle game when we got scored on, in past years the girls may have put their heads down and been defeated. The big difference this year is that they picked each other up and played even harder,” Tucker explained.
Key Moments of the Season
Several key moments defined their journey to the Western Indiana Conference title. The season began with a strong 3-0 victory against Greenwood Christian, setting a positive tone. “Just making history gets everyone excited and motivates everyone,” Beatty said. The team faced Northview next, a tough opponent. Despite missing a key starter, they adapted well and ultimately won in a penalty shootout, demonstrating resilience and significantly boosting their confidence.
The pinnacle of their season came with back-to-back wins against Bloomington North and Greencastle, both historically challenging opponents. “Beating North was something we have never done before,” Venegas noted. “It’s crazy that we never won it before. It made me realize that as long as we work together and believe in each other, we can be unstoppable.”
Overcoming Challenges
The team has consistently demonstrated resilience in the face of challenges. “The team has responded to challenges really well. They have stepped up to every challenge, united as a team,” Tucker said.The squad entered their matchup against Martinsville knowing it would be tough, and although their first loss could have easily discouraged them, the team instead used it as a learning experience. “We just moved on and forgot about that game and were like, we like winning, so we just kind of moved on from that game,” Beatty remarked.
One of the most memorable moments of the season came during the Greencastle game. After falling behind early, the girls stayed calm and encouraged one another, ultimately tying the game. “The girls kept pushing hard and never gave up,” Tucker recounted. “When we went into penalty kicks, they executed perfectly.”
The Thrill of Victory
Clinching the Western Indiana Conference title felt surreal for the players and coaching staff alike. “Winning conference outright for the first time in school history is huge!” Tucker exclaimed. “This group is really special, with a great group of seniors, so it is so well deserved.”
The victory brought a wave of excitement and pride among the players. “We were excited and thrilled. Honestly, I think we were also a tiny bit shocked. We didn’t expect to have as good of a season as we did,” Franklin shared. The atmosphere was electric as they celebrated, marking a significant achievement not only for the team but for the entire Edgewood community.
Impact on the Community
The team’s success has not only elevated their standing within the school but has also garnered attention and support from the community. “We have had a lot of people come up and congratulate the team on having such a great year,” Tucker noted. “People who have nothing to do with Edgewood are following the team and rooting us on.”
The girls hope this achievement will inspire future players and leave a lasting legacy for the program. “We want to win and make this a lasting impact on our team and school,” Beatty stated. “I think we get more recognition and appreciation, which is a big change from past years.”
A Season to Remember
Reflecting on the season, Tucker expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to coach such a talented and dedicated group. “This is definitely a season I will always remember,” she said. “I hope the girls are extremely proud of themselves. Their success this year is due to all of the hard work they put in.”
As the Edgewood girls’ soccer team celebrates their historic achievement, they carry with them the lessons learned and the belief that they are capable of making history together. With their sights set on the future, this season will serve as a stepping stone for continued success, proving that when they come together as one, they can accomplish great things.
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