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On and off the fields | Girls soccer news & notes
LAKEVIEW’S IMPROVEMENTS
Lakeview girls soccer coach Shawn Varley has seen many changes in his 10 years with the program. For starters, the Bulldogs have moved from the old Trumbull Athletic Conference to the All-American Conference. He’s also noted that the divisional makeup has changed, not so much for Lakeview, but rival teams like Canfield and Poland that have moved from Div. I to Div. II, altering the postseason landscape.
The most glaring change, though, is what he’s done to develop the program — and that’s just that. Varley help spearhead improvements to the youth program, creating a talented system rising from the youngest players to the varsity prep squad.
“After my first couple of years here I really noticed how strong the youth program needed to be,” he said. “We have excellent coaches that teach the game and breed them into good players.”
He’s coached his own youth teams and has ushered a good number of girls past the high school level. Currently, Elaine Moldovan, Sidney Paul and Casey Bolt are varsity starters that Varley coached when they were 10 years old. The Bulldogs are 6-1-1 to start the 2012 season. The girls being together and getting familiarized with my system is a great advantage,” he said.
Yet another change, he noted, is the growing support system with soccer in the area. Nearly every school fields a team and plenty of teams that were once co-ed are now playing separately. The level of competition and overall agression has improved and many players see it as a year-round sport.
“We get exposure at every month of the year,” Varley said, “instead of just in the Fall.
“It’s truly something that has been embraced by people who may not have noticed it as much before.”
club teams
Decorations lining the hallways, achievements read over the morning PA announcements and quick clips in the local newspaper all celebrate local high school athletes. Few are in it for that minor two minute (or two inch) glory, but it’s nice to be recognized for the hard work while representing your school.
Club teams don’t always get those headlines.
“But it’s really helped me become an all-around better player,” says Niles junior Gabby Infante.
For the past year she’s played on the U-16 Rockers that’s comprised of girls from Northeast Ohio. They travel around the area for greater competition and a way to stay fresh to tune-up for the prep schedule. Often times, the Red Dragons schedule pits Infante against some of her Rockers teammates.
“We always give each other hugs before and after the games,” she said.
Infante has been an offensive leader for Niles (5-2-1) with five goals and six assists, leading the team in both categories.
“The team is composed of a great group of girls that get along and have fun playing the game,” Niles coach Jen Burin said.
Infante, who switches time between forward and mid field, says that teamwork has been the key for the Red Dragons early, successful season.
“We communicate so well and we’re always on the same page,” she said. “We always have heart. We’re doing really good this year and I want to keep it going.”