Girls’ varsity soccer, beginning March 3, is anticipated to be a strong season with new mindsets and expectations for the athletes. Head varsity girls’ soccer coach Martin Manzke has set his sights on a successful season and has been implementing new preseason workouts to help better prepare the team.
“We are using MAR in downtown Downers to help the girls prepare for their season. MAR gave us a discount, and the girls can go there and get specific training for their sport four days a week,” Manzke said.
Although the varsity team has the same head coach as last year, the program is receiving a new JV coach. Assistant varsity wrestling coach Maxx Lozano is joining the girls’ soccer staff after deciding to branch out from wrestling and boys’ soccer. He has plenty of previous experience with many different playing and coaching positions.
“I started playing soccer before I was five years old and played all through high school. Post high school I wrestled in college and to stay in shape I’d play with the team in their indoor league,” Lozano said.
With many new changes to the team, there is often less focus on improvements to the individual athletes so they can better perform as a team. While this isn’t necessarily a struggle for the girls, many athletes focus on self-improvement outside of school and their season to be the best athletes they can be. Senior Audrey Anderson has been on both club and high school teams and spends the off-season progressing her skills to begin the season with more strength and efficiency than the previous year.
“During high school off-season I play club soccer and go to MAR for strength training and speed work,” Anderson said. “I also make sure to focus on getting my endurance up by going for runs as well as taking time to work on technique and footwork.”
Not only are the athletes better prepared to begin the season, but they are also more focused. Since last year was the first time they had Manzke as a coach, there was less emphasis on success. Now, the girls are ready for a strong and successful season.
“There’s more expectation on them this year since last year was my first year as the head varsity coach,” Manzke said. There was some hesitation last year because they were still sort of testing the waters with a new coach, but now we are jumping right into the season.”
Many of the athletes are participating in both club soccer and high school soccer. While there are few differences between the two, the environment is typically the biggest change. Club soccer often feels like a more familial environment, but Manzke and his athletes have focused on creating a tight-knit community, making the sport both more fun and more competitive. Senior Gia Shah has been on both club and high school teams, and she has found some of her best friends from both.
“I love seeing how much the team has grown since freshman year. We work hard on and off the field and it definitely shows,” Shah said. “I have met some of my best friends through both club and high school soccer, and will forever be grateful for all the memories we’ve made together.”
