After finishing last year with a 4-19-1 record, the DGN boys soccer team has turned things around. During the 2025 season, the team has climbed the standings with great performances and a newfound sense of confidence on the field. The team ended up being ranked third in conference, which is an improvement from last season’s lower ranking. Players credit the change to being dedicated and preparing well before and after games, having a positive attitude, and showing what it means to be a true teammate to one another. Before the season, the players aimed high to improve their game and restore trust on and off the field.
“Trying to go deep into playoffs and state is always in your mind,” junior Blake Caulk said. “Just coming together is what Coach Slomba is big on, working as a team, improving individually, but also meshing as a group.”
Much of the team’s progress has come from the way players motivate each other. Whether it’s in practice, after school, or in the final minutes before a game starts, the team has made encouragement an essential part of game day. They’ve learned to recognize every small achievement, bounce back from setbacks, and push each other to reach their full potential. That steady support has built a stronger, more connected team- one that believes in itself no matter the score.
“Honestly, it’s just talking in a huddle. Anytime we’re in a huddle right before the game starts, we always try and motivate each other,” junior Ty Peboontom said. “No matter if we get scored on first or if we score first, we have to have that same level of high effort throughout the game.”
Although the team had a downbeat attitude coming into this season because of the hardships they encountered throughout the previous season, the team didn’t let that stop them from improving this year. The players have changed, using preseason as a way to connect with each other and getting on the same page. Coach Rafal Slomba made sure of that, helping the team improve before playoffs came around.
“Even early in the season, we’ve seen improvements in teamwork and decision-making on the field. Players are more confident in their roles, and there’s a stronger sense of responsibility across the roster,” Slomba said. “From last season, we’re carrying over the emphasis on effort and perseverance. Even in a tough season, the players showed resilience and determination, and that mindset is something we continue to build on.”
Now improving as a team, they have achieved wins that once seemed out of reach, defeating opponents they hadn’t beaten in years. Players celebrate this milestone together, knowing that their hard work and perseverance have turned past struggles into present achievements.
“I’m most proud of the DGS game. It’s always good beating your cross town rivals. I scored the winning goal. So obviously it has that extra little good feeling,” Peboontom said.
In the end, the team continued to keep their main goal in their mind: making it deep into playoffs. As the season continued, the team proved that growth comes from teamwork and determination. Their journey from last year’s struggles to this year’s milestones shows the power of setting goals and motivating each other.
“I think that we were a better team than our record showed,” Caulk said. “Overall this season was really fun and it ended earlier than I would have liked.”
