Fans are cheering, players are sliding, and coaches are yelling at the top of their lungs! This soccer season has come with its ups and downs. Though the team’s record isn’t the best, being 1- 4 overall, it doesn’t define their performance as a team. The team has held their own with top schools like Mustang and Capitol Hill, as well as winning the Southern Coast Cup at Alabama. They’re making a name for themselves throughout Oklahoma.

The team has gained expertise during this season. Together, they have both rejoiced and grieved. This demonstrates their closeness and level of ease with one another. “The season so far has been heading in the right direction. The boys have been competitive and have been enjoying the ride, which is all a coach could ever wish for,” Head Coach Brent Neal said.

Sports can have a positive effect on players by encouraging collaboration, discipline, and a sense of being part of a larger purpose. However, the strain and intense pressure of competitiveness can be detrimental. “We’re doing good, but ever since we came back from the tournament at Alabama, we’ve just been tired. After every loss, it messes with us because we know we can beat them, but we aren’t able to follow through sometimes,” junior Bode Durham said.

After losing, you may feel the urge to spend some time by yourself. For some people, it takes hours or even days to fully comprehend what happened. The amount of time you need for reflection will depend on the goals you had going into the competition. “After a loss, I just listen to my music and try not to say anything. My emotions might

just affect what I say, so I just stay in my own zone,” junior Christian Otero said.

In soccer, success depends on working as a team. To pass the ball, coordinate their actions, and defend the goal, players must work together. Soccer games would be challenging to win without teamwork. “Improving team chemistry is a daily grind. We help facilitate growth when and where we can. We go on retreats, out of state tournaments, and encourage them daily to put in intentional effort towards improving their team bond,” Coach Neal said.

Regarding their performance this season, the team appears upbeat. They believe they have what it takes to go to the playoffs. “I think the record will be 4-3 in district, which would put us in the first round of playoffs. With our drive and excitement to be in the playoffs, I think we will make it to the second round,” senior Diego Otero said.

Our happiness, motivation, health, and performance all depend on hope. One of our hardest and most important self-management tasks is to maintain optimism. “Keep your head up and keep working hard. Don’t look back at the losses, rather look forward to the wins. Keep grinding and keep doing your thing. Don’t lose your motivation to go to the playoffs. Stay positive in everything you do. Always work to be your best, and don’t stop pushing each other,” junior Noah Swan said.

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