The Girls Varsity Soccer team wrapped up a challenging season with a final record of 5-6-2, led by captains Anna Shub and Anna Moscato. Chosen as captains for their complementary leadership style, they were determined to build a supportive team culture. Coach Cobos said, “It’s really awesome to have two captains who are so different from one another in their leadership styles.” According to Cobos, Shub had more of a tough-love approach, bringing firmness and directness, while Moscato provided a more approachable and nurturing style.
Shub said, “This balance works well because some people work better with positive reinforcement, and others with constructive feedback.”
Throughout the season, the captains empowered their teammates to make mistakes and learn from them, a shift from past seasons when constant criticism often lowered people’s spirits.
“We really tried to create a team culture where, instead of tearing each other down for mistakes, we took those moments to lift each other up,” Shub said. This new mindset resonated, especially with the younger players, who often struggled to find confidence in challenging games.
The captains also focused on setting the right tone on the field, urging everyone to communicate without harshness or negativity. “A lot of our girls come from club teams where the environment can be pretty harsh. We wanted to do the opposite and build a place where people felt comfortable and supported,” Moscato said.
Cobos highlighted that this positive environment would not have been possible without the captains’ openness to have one-on-one conversations with each player.
The team’s game against St. Lukes was particularly tense because of the captain’s memories of their losses in freshman and sophomore year. A huge St. Luke’s crowd only added to the pressure. Even though Shub and Moscato were frustrated, they knew they had to keep calm. “Even if things weren’t going our way, we had to keep our cool,” Anna said. Their restraint paid off, as the team stayed focused and resilient, ultimately winning with a final score of 1-0.
Reflecting on the season, Moscato expressed pride in how they’d shaped the team’s culture. “We really wanted to build a good culture, and I think, in the end, the legacy we left was very valuable.”
Shub also took pride in how they’d changed the team culture and hopes that her impact as a captain continues to foster a competitive sport that shows you can win and be a positive force.
Cobos said, “I could not be prouder of these players. Their growth as leaders and their commitment to building a positive team environment has set a new standard for the future.”
