The Briar Woods Varsity girls Soccer team is “dribbling” through another successful season. as of May 8th with 9 wins, 3 losses and 3 tie games.
The team, coached by Caly Bruton and assisted by Raven Short, has a total of 18 phenomenal athletes.
Olivia Kannan, a wing in 11th grade, began her high school soccer journey by starting off on the JV team her first two years. During her sophomore year, she even took on the role of captain. This spring, Kannan moved up to the varsity team.
Growing up, playing soccer became a significant part of Kannan’s life. “I’ve played soccer since I was little so I was excited to see that there was such a fun and competitive program for BWHS.”
Kannan’s hopes are “to help my team in any way possible make it high in our districts and above. As a group we strive to win our games going forward.”
Kannan says there is a strong bond between her and her teammates creating a positive environment on and off the field. “My teammates make me love this team. Everyone is extremely supportive and encouraging and it really helps how we play due to chemistry.”
Coaches Bruton and Short regularly pass on advice prior to practices or games. A piece of advice that sticks out to Kannan is “the importance of effort and how high intensity and energy really helps the game.”
Outside of BWHS, Kannan also plays for her club team. Additionally, “[The] biggest game I’ve played is probably the championship for a North Carolina showcase for my club team. That was super fun winning in penalty kicks.”
McKenna Schauss, a defensive player in 10th grade became interested in soccer “when I was really young. I didn’t like it at first but came back and I really enjoyed it.”
This year is Schauss’s first time playing for BWHS, it sparked interest to her because “I became interested because of all the good things I’ve heard and how fun it is to be part of a school’s sports team.”
Schauss tries to stay accountable during games or practices by “remembering that the way I practice is how I’m going to play in games. I try to put in the effort that way I will play the best I can during games.”
During a showcase for Schauss’s club team was one of her biggest games she’s played in. “Biggest game I ever played in was probably a showcase game with a bunch of college coaches there. I scored last minute of a corner kick and got player of the game.”
Furthermore, “The best piece of advice I’ve gotten from my coach is the saying ‘so what… now what” which represents if you mess up are you going to respond to that situation.”
The varsity team finished their regular season with a final record of 9-3-3. The girls Varsity played Independence High School on May 20th for the Potomac District Finals and unfortunately lost 3-1.
Despite the loss, the team is ready to compete at the regional championship. Be sure to come out and cheer on your Briar Woods Falcons Thursday May 30th at Independence High School!
