The RHS women’s soccer team began their season with a 10-6-2 record and hoped to secure both the league and district title.
Goals and expectations were set for the 2014 season by head Varsity Coach Dave Howson. The team intends to maintain a solid record and to exceed last year’s sweet sixteen title. Co-captain and senior Julie Garcia explained her expectations for the team.

“Obviously we’re not looking to win states because we know that’s not really in our range, but we want to show everybody at the school that even though we didn’t win states like the boys, we’re good too,” Garcia said.

A district victory is desirable according to both co-captains, but obstacles are present. Added stress comes from successes in the men’s soccer department as well as leadership that has plummeted since the recent loss in seniority. Senior and co-captain Alexis Espinal noted the difference between this year’s team in comparison to last season.

“Moving from eleven seniors last year to only seven, as well as only having three juniors has changed our lineup and style of play in multiple aspects,” said Espinal.

Howson also explained what he thought were major differences the team has faced this year.

“I think that one of the major differences is we lost a lot of people, we still have a lot of people just not as many people are practicing leadership,” Howson said.

Aside from leadership and athleticism, team bonding is of the utmost importance according to both Garcia and Espinal. The team practices unity by dressing up as a team and participating in group activities including pre-game meals, week-long soccer camps and exchanging gifts with their secret sisters at games and other soccer related events. Espinal expressed her thoughts in regards to team bonding.

“Sometimes we go out to breakfast or dinner as a team. We also do a weeklong soccer camp in Columbus, Ohio during the summer. We [also] went to the waterpark and played games at the hotel,” Espinal said.

The girls’ ended their season as the District runner-up with a loss against Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy.