MATTAWA – After going 9-11-1the Wahluke girls soccer team will be facing some new challenges this season. According to Head Coach Cele Lopez, the Warriors have a young roster.   

“We have a new team, a lot of freshmen, a lot of girls who want to play, but they have never really played before. That's really a challenge,” Lopez said. “‘How can you combine the experienced girls with their groups?’”  

The Warriors will be without Maria Barajas, a key defender last year. Lopez said she was able to cover a lot of space on her own. However, he plans to use multiple players and formations to make up for her absence.   

Last season, the Warriors exceeded their own expectations, Lopez said. They had anticipated struggles with new faces on the team. However, they still made a run in the district tournament.   

A lot of the new players Lopez is seeing this year missed the opportunity to play in junior high, he said. They would have learned the fundamentals of the sport there. That has him focused on teaching and competing this year.   

“That's why I love to coach youth so much, because when you see improvements, it motivates you as a coach, you want to keep going,” Lopez said.   

Despite having to teach some fundamentals, Lopez feels confident his team will be strong in the attack. A focus will be preventing spaces in the bottom of the field.   

Lopez said the Warriors have three players with club experience to rely on in key moments. Morgan Harlow, Alexandra Rodriguez and Kayla Garduno are expected to help balance defense and attacking at center field. Depth aside, Lopez said he likes his starting 11 a lot.   

Lopez said players had time during summer to prepare for the upcoming season. He said the offseason is often more important than what’s done during the regular season. However, turnout had some challenges given the students’ schedules.   

“They had to go work in the summer. By the time they were back in practice, they were halfway tired,” he said.  

He’s trying to be a bit more demanding now that summer is over and the focus is back on classes and sports and applauds his players’ commitment.  

He said the challenge of motivating his players also motivates him to be the best coach he can be. He feels soccer not only teaches them certain technical skills but life lessons outside of the sport.   

“If we overcome this, they can overcome whatever they face in life, not just soccer-related,” Lopez said.   

Lopez said he likes that the Warriors are opening the season against a tough opponent. While they may be a challenge to overcome, he hopes the outcome motivates them to work hard all season.   

“We have a really young team, a lot of new faces. We lost some key players who put the program where it is right now. We're working on trying to fill those shoes,” Lopez said.   

The Warriors open the season on the road against Cashmere on Sept. 9 at 6 p.m.  

    Bela Mendoza runs through passing drills at practice. Head Coach Cele Lopez said the drills help his player develop good habits that will help them in high pressure situations.
  

    Warriors girls soccer Head Coach Cele Lopez gives feedback to his players as they run through team drills. Lopez said he enjoys the challenge of helping athletes improve at soccer.
  

    Alexandra Rodriguez runs to the ball to make a pass during a drill. Head Coach Cele Lopez said some of his players have club soccer experience which they will be able to rely on this season.