During the last period of class, cones are scattered across the field in preparation for after school soccer practices. On Nov. 4, both the boys and girls soccer teams officially kicked off their seasons, looking to improve their overall season records. Last year, the boys soccer team ended with a 1-12-1 record, and the girls ended with a 2-5-1 record in league play.

Despite the many ups and downs marked by last season, the boys soccer team managed to grow a lot and see success under first-year head coach David Hernandez. In fact, some of the upperclassmen credit Hernandez for some of their favorite soccer memories at Pinewood.

“One of my favorite games was our game against Eastside to give a proper senior night to our only senior, Vishesh, which was electric,” senior and captain Paul Sapilewski said.

“Managing to tie Sacred Heart, that was one of our best games,” junior Jack Hollenbeck said.

Looking forward to this winter, the boys team looks to continue their steady trajectory upwards,

hoping to emerge with a few more victories. 

Currently, the team has its eyes set on beating some of the weakened schools in their league, like Harker and Woodside Priory, who graduated many seniors. Considering they went toe-to-toe with teams like Sacred Heart Preparatory last season, they believe they can compete with anyone. 

Last year, the girls soccer team had some big comebacks and moments. Many of their players look back on their season with fond memories.

“One of my favorite memories was when we tied Riordan,” junior Addision Parenti said. “I remember the season before last — my freshman season — we played them and lost three to one. This past season, we actually ended up tying that game, and I just remember being so happy and proud of our team for pushing through the ‘losing mindset’ and leaving everything we had on the field.”

This year, the girls soccer team looks forward to developing stronger team chemistry, with the goal of heightened camaraderie hopefully translating to more wins. 

“Last year we had good results against tough teams, and I know we can do it again,” head coach Whitney Wood said.