Often athletes struggle when it comes to vocalizing their complex athletic emotions. Hopkins soccer players, though, just aren't your typical jocks.
"I play for Hopkins because Hopkins is the only place I know of where teamwork, determination and commitment are used both on and off the field to create a positive impact in the lives of others," sophomore Mary Kate Franchetti said. "A victory to a Hopkins student-athlete means using both our knowledge and passion to overcome any obstacle we may face while simultaneously helping others do the same."
These sweet words are only half as nice as her and her teammates' game. Judging by sophomore defender Nate Wysk's words, Franchetti's feelings may be contagious.
"I like competing. I like winning," Wysk said. "I've almost quit, but have learned to keep pushing. I've realized that soccer is more than just a sport, more than just a game, and the people I play with are more than just teammates. They're like my brothers, and soccer is a part of who I am."
With such profound thoughts on the sport, it's no surprise that the men and women's soccer teams have kicked off their seasons with some serious success.
Both the men's and women's soccer teams went undefeated over the weekend. As the men captured the Citrano Medical Labs Kickoff Classic title at home, the women headed off to New Jersey to go 1-1-0 at the TCNJ Adidas Classic.
From the freshmen to the seniors, the soccer teams showed talent. Freshman Scott Bukowski scored his fifth goal of the season and sophomore forward Caitlin Moore's goal against Washington & Jefferson secured the 1-0 victory. Junior Nick Guana was named tournament MVP and senior defender Johanna Chapin was named Centennial Conference Defensive Player of the Week. Chapin said, "I feel like a senior. I'm confident and I know what to expect from myself and from the team in order to win."
Did you know Hopkins soccer trains worldwide? This summer, the men's team spent time in Italy, and women's seniors Chapin and forward Kim Lane traveled to the Dominican Republic and Spain. After an intense preseason, "We've become a really tight unit. It makes us special," sophomore Naomi Sell said.
"Our team has a completely different dynamic this year than it did last year," said senior midfielder Cassandra Vogel. "I've never seen our team pass like we've been passing," senior forward Ben McAbee said.
Sophomore Rami Zeidan said, "We're able to finish our games this year. That's a major improvement we've made as a team." Judging by these players' opinions, both teams have high hopes for the season.
But despite their philosophic words and ambitious goals (both headed, of course, for a NCAA championship), the soccer players haven't forgotten to incorporate plenty of fun into their schedules, too.
From cheering each other on (one of sophomore defender Nick Kosik's favorite hobbies), to jamming to "Reggaton" (inspired by Chapin and Lane's Latin journeys), to being dazzled by the tricks of Ben "The Magician" McAbee, Sell ensures that both teams fulfill the Lady Jays' motto - "We love fun."
This week, the teams travel to Virginia, Pennsylvania and Chestertown, Md. The Jays return to Homewood field Tuesday, when the men face Philadelphia Biblical, and Wednesday, when the women take on St. Mary's.
