Photo by Elodie Provosty
By Elodie Provosty
The upcoming girls’ soccer season for the Willow School’s high school team is expected to be great. WIth practices starting this fall, head coach Justin Dumestre is bringing some great new tactics to the field.
“We’re going to experiment with three center backs instead of a backline of four because Marley Choate, the returning district defensive MVP, is very good,” Coach Dumestre stated, giving a sneak peak of his plans for the upcoming season, “and it allows us to throw some players forward.”
It’s always a concern for the dynamic of the team when seniors graduate, leaving the other players and coach to reestablish what works and what doesn’t, especially with welcoming the class of 2026 into the school and to the team.
Our seniors were wonderful last year. Choate, our district defensive MVP, said, “I’m going to miss them but I’m also really excited for the new talent.”
Coach Dumestre also added, “Our last year seniors were emotionally great leaders. They kept everyone in check and motivated. This year’s seniors will be able to continue that atmosphere while bringing a little more on the table in the field.”
Overall, everyone has great hopes for the future of the Willow girls’ soccer season.
The 2021-22 school year was full of challenges, the biggest one being COVID. But the hopes are high for the upcoming season. “I would like to see improvement from last year,” Coach Dumestre said. “We had two ties in district, which was good, but I’m looking to win all of district and make it at least to the semi-finals this year.”
Marley Choate is also extremely excited about the upcoming season. “I’m looking forward to working with the team and training hard to make it past the semi finals this year,” Choate said. “I’m excited to get back into practicing with everyone to begin our journey towards district champions.”
Every individual on the team has strengths, but when it comes to the team together, everyone flourishes. “Last year was a transition year in general–having to go to Tulane only three days a week because there is no field,” Dumestre said. “Our weaknesses had nothing to do with us, but we were strong and, despite it all, we did so well. Only lost three games in the season following the 0-8 loss, scrimmage.”
We had so many obstacles last year and still exceeded all expectations. “I am so excited,” Choate said.
Couch Dumestre echoed the sentiment, saying, “Super pumped.”
