Hazelwood East: One Team One Mission, Bringing back Tradition

In the past Hazelwood East has had a long tradition of being the school to beat in the suburban north. Top finishes in football, Track, Cross Country, Girls Basketball fill the trophy cases in the halls. Traditional rivalries take a long time to fade away. For most schools in the North conference East represents the upper echelon of the competition. And that is the tradition we are working so hard to bring back to soccer.

The Coaching staff and I are always optimistic as too the season ahead. Each year the number of girls that come out for the team continues to grow. As the season approaches we look to build on the successes from the past.

The dynamic of the team changes from year to year. As refined seniors graduate developing underclassmen rise up to take their place. Last year we graduated eight seniors. Players will change but our philosophy on building a successful program remains the same.

Successful soccer is a total team effort. One player alone cannot win or loose a game. For our season to be a success, every player from JV to Varsity will have to be dedicated to giving their best effort. This effort starts with the first practice and does not stop until the final whistle of the last game. In the years past we have always required this of our players and they have always delivered. This year looks to be no different. We have a small group of seniors that we feel will take on leadership responsibilities. Kari Enke and Kara Graffy are returning for a forth year on the varsity roster. Graffy will anchor the defense as Keeper while Enke will look to create chances from both the midfield and forward positions. In three years Kari has racked up 12 goals and 4 assists for a total of 28 points. Sophomore Ashley Johnson will be returning in her role as playmaker in the middle third.

The new season will bring challenges for our seniors. Seniors, by the virtue of their status, are traditionally looked to as leaders. They are like the elders of the team. New players look to them for advice and guidance on how to meet the demands of the season. For some seniors this season represents the last time they will play the game at a competitive level.