Have you ever felt an adrenaline rush as you race down the field, like everyone was there cheering you on like you were a superstar? Do they support you with every move you make like you’re part of a family that would do anything for you? Tripp girls soccer does that, and like a family. In past history, Tripp soccer has a poor record, but this year it’s different. The team has been pushed physically and mentally to their limits, then past them. We have been forced to never give up, run instead of walk, smile instead of cry.

Our coach, Bob Oprey, has helped us become a team on and off the field. He isn’t a player, obviously, but he feels like it. He taught us more than soccer skills, but everyday life skills to become better people than we already are.

Yes, sometimes, we get upset with him and don’t agree with some of the decisions he makes, but overall, he is a big part of our team. Our team hasn’t won every game, but we haven’t lost every one either. We have never been blown out. We give it our all, from the start of the clock until the referee tells us it’s over. We never lose our hope. We never take out our anger on teammates or blame them for a loss.

Are those the reasons girls’ soccer this year has an even record, 5-5 with two games left? I don’t know why our previous teams tended to lose their games. All I know is this year has been different. Over our season, our talent has increased, talents of individual players, and of our team as we bonded and learned how to work with each others’ skills and weaknesses. Tripp is now competitive. Are you ready?