With the varsity girls soccer team ending last season with a loss of 2-1 against James Madison High School on May 23, 2024, head coach Melissa Bibbee is starting this season by finding more ways to score goals. The team hopes to beat their biggest rivals James Madison and Oakton in the playoffs this season.

“I think we could definitely improve on our mentality when it comes to playing tougher opponents,” junior forward Vivian Thompson said. “We need to begin each game with more confidence.”

The girls soccer team ended last season with a record of 9-5-3. They won their first three games against Falls Church, Langley and Woodson High Schools. With the team’s goal of beating their biggest rivalries, they are preparing in several ways.

“We go over a scouting report of the opposing team, reviewing our own team plays such as corner kicks, direct and indirect kicks,” Bibbee said. “We will need to work on our shooting and finishing at practices.”

Senior defense Cara Pham has her own routine of preparing for games which consists of resting after school and eating a healthy meal before she plays. Pham has been on the varsity team since she was a freshman.

“I love making good relationships with the girls on the team and coming together to play with everyone,” Pham said. “We’re pretty good when it comes to working together and making everyone feel included.”

Over the years, the team’s improvement has shown. In 2022, the team had a record of 3-8-2 and last year’s record was 9-5-3.

“Oakton is usually always a tough team to play and our games are always super intense and competitive,” Thompson said. “I think having a rivalry with them is good as long as it isn’t toxic and it can motivate both teams to do better.”

The team has their first game on March 20 at 7:15 p.m. They will play away against Falls Church High School.