Last year, the Benilde-St. Margaret’s Girls Soccer team “robbed the bank” at state for the first time in six years. This was a monumental comeback for the team as they placed 3rd at state in 2022. This year, all eyes are directed toward the team to see if they can defend their title after the loss of ten seniors.
Starting a new season with 9 returning players and 9 new players can be challenging. This calls for plenty of team bonding if these girls want to play at their full potential. At the beginning of the season, the girls take a trip to St. Cloud where they scrimmage Monticello and participate in activities meant to strengthen their communication and team rapport. For example, they have created a tournament called “The Olympics,” where they make up group dances and compete in other exciting challenges. “At the start of the season, our chemistry was a bit different [from last year] and it was hard to connect, but as the season progresses, we’re starting to become tighter, like a family,” senior Hannah Buller said.
The girls had a streak of victory last year with an incredible undefeated season. This year, they lost their first game to Blake, but they haven’t lost since, leaving them with a 6-1-1 record. This is exceptional, especially with nine new players. They have been improving significantly so far this season, becoming more connected as teammates on and off the field. “We’ve had a rough start but I think that with some more confidence and communication on the field that will improve [as the season progresses,]” Buller stated.
Scott Helling-Christy, head coach, and Callianne Olson, assistant coach, have been working hard to help these girls reach their full potential. With as many new players as the team has, it’s hard to find out the team’s strengths and weaknesses but they’re getting better with each game. Preparation for sections and state is critical. Olson and Helling-Christy use the girls’ performances from their games to prepare practices that will improve their skills. “Every game we learn from what we did in the game before, and we are very frank with them about who they’re coming up against and what they have to face,” Olson said.
The girls just got back from an overnight trip in Duluth where they faced off against Hermantown. They took yet another win, beating Hermantown 1-0. The girls are excited to see where the rest of the season takes them– hopefully, back to the bank!