As the school year comes to a close, we reflect on the successful spring sports of Glenbard West High School. Among the wide array of athletics offered here at GBW, the girls soccer program has had yet another impressive season.

Success has been achieved at all levels throughout the program: Starting with the Freshman team, they rounded off their season with a record of 14 wins and 4 losses. The Sophomore team finished with 11 wins, 1 loss and 3 ties. JV completed their season with 12 wins, 3 losses and 2 ties. Varsity so far has had 9 wins, 8 losses and 3 ties. This achievement could not have been made possible without the hard work of the athletes. Practicing day in and day out, the players and coaches came together and constructed a cohesive team bond adding to the success seen in numbers.

The girls soccer program has evolved as the years have passed. Players and coaches have come and gone, and this year saw a new Varsity head coach, Coach Kasperek.  In an interview with Coach Rovens, the JV soccer coach, he said, “[The program is] growing both qualitatively and quantitatively. My first year coaching, we had around 60 girls trying out. This year we had close to 90. The talent level, overall, I can just see is better as well.”

With a new Varsity coach and the talent level rising, nothing but high hopes are set for this growing program.

An exciting addition was made to the Varsity squad halfway through their season. Sarah Shellady, JV’s starting goalie, was pulled up to finish her season as the Varsity keeper. Sarah explained, “The level of competition changed quickly,” and “immediately the varsity girls and coaches invited me in and helped me transition onto their team.” Sarah’s determination has helped her to thrive and succeed as the only Sophomore on the Varsity team.

The closing of the soccer season is a bittersweet time, but thoughts of the upcoming year have already set in. With the start of a new season comes opportunities for more and more girls to tryout for the program.  On advice for students who are interested in trying out for the soccer program, Coach Rovers said, “Come on out no matter what kind of playing experience you have. Soccer is a beautiful game and should be enjoyed by everyone. No matter what team you make, you are going to get better just playing every day.”

When asked about what makes him excited about the Glenbard West Girls soccer program, Coach Rovens said, “The up-and-coming Varsity players. We have good young talent in the underclassmen as well as depth.  Currently, Varsity players and upperclassmen have set good examples for the path to success. We had outstanding results with the lower levels this past season. The future looks very promising!”

The players and their dedication throughout the years are what truly makes the program special. This dedication brings excitement for the upcoming years as we see the players shape the program.

Although the rest of the program’s 2017 season has come to a close, Varsity is still going strong and has a game Tuesday, May 16th in Geneva against Wheaton North at 6:30 PM. Come out and support your Glenbard West Girls Soccer varsity team. Go West!