While the traditional metrics of goals, assists and wins are vital in distinguishing a team, what differentiates the Masters girls varsity soccer team is the fellowship that binds them together. The group is made up of 19 players, most of whom are sophomores and juniors.
Anna Moscato ‘25, one of the three team captains, has been a member of MGVS since her freshman year. Over the course of her time on the team, she’s witnessed and experienced the formation of meaningful friendships. “We have these very special, unique, long-term friendships that are formed through soccer.” She added, “What’s so special is that these friendships last outside the season.”
Sophomore center holding midfielder Mia Steinwurtzel continued, “We’re all very close, and everyone’s friends. We’re like a family.”
Just as crucial to the “family’s” companionship, as the players themselves, are their leaders. “We definitely try and make close relationships with everyone on the team. We divide up the team sometimes to figure out who we already know, and then try and reach out to people we don’t know as well,” Moscato said.
As of October 23, their season has consisted of six wins, six losses, and two ties. 28 goals have been scored in gameplay, and the players boast 17 assists – a testament to their collaboration.
The team’s strong bond didn’t happen overnight. The coaches of MGVS, Rober Ruiz, Skyler Schwenkler, Marlene Avalos and Juan Cobos, employ various team-bonding exercises. The players complete blindfolded obstacle courses, untangle human knots and try to stand up back to back with a teammate. These fun activities help keep spirits and morale on MGVS high. Cobos said, “It’s little things like that which shows them not everything is serious at the end of the day. This is just a game, so it only carries the weight that we give it.”
Reflecting on the team’s journey thus far, he recalled, “This year has been an incredible year in terms of the camaraderie and the culture and community that our team feels.” He further emphasized, “They have a sense of unity; they have a shared goal.”
For members of the team, this “shared goal” isn’t just a motto; it is the essence of their gameplay. “I feel like in comparison to last year, what we’ve done really well is we’ve been moving the ball, we’ve been keeping possession of the ball, and just like working [together] as a team,” Steinwurtzel said.
Even when they aren’t at practice, the unity of MGVS is apparent. In celebration of games, the team has donned matching unconventional school attire, exhibiting costumes from frat boys to cozy pajamas.
Looking ahead, Moscato expressed the players’ anticipation of upcoming team-bonding activities. She said, “We’re looking forward to maybe a team sleepover and more parties in the future, just so people feel like they’re more friends than just teammates.”
