Prep previews: Vail Christian girls soccer hopes to build off of 2023 campaign
The Saints went 0-9 in 2022 and 4-7 last year
Heidi Cofelice/Courtesy photo
Coming into the 2023 season, the underclassmen girls on the Vail Christian soccer team hadn’t experienced a win. The Saints were coming off of an 0-9 2022 season which saw them register just three goals. At the end of last spring, however, the team surged, winning three of its final four games to finish 4-7.
Second-year coach Andrea Juskaitis believes there is more in store for 2024.
“I was elated because we were finally able to see what it feels like to make great plays, take some shots, get goals in the net and win some games,” she said.
“They know that they can do a lot better this year because they kind of have the groove down.”
The Saints graduated three seniors, but Juskaitis has been impressed with the vigor of her incoming freshmen class.
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“They’re aggressive players, they’re great athletes, and they’re showing a lot of promise,” she said of the group, several of whom spent the fall going undefeated in league play in volleyball.
“They have a competitive nature,” Juskaitis continued. “They want to win.”
Three of those freshmen — Olivia Hughes, Sam Bates and Terri-Ann Kohrmann — are teaming up to take care of goaltending duties. Another frosh expected to make large contributions is Eva Soto, the daughter of assistant coach Hector Soto.
“She has shown so much promise already in terms of her speed and skillset,” Juskaitis said. “She’s just got this understanding of how to be an offensive player and take shots.”
The entire forward line should be one of the Saints’ strengths. Senior Rebecca Flores will line up next to Maggie Rothenberg on the outside left.
“I’m really excited to see what those two can do together,” Juskaitis said. Lined up next to Flores is Lindsey Whitton, who also balances track and field at Battle Mountain.
“She’s a tremendous asset to the team and has a commanding presence on the field,” Juskaitis said of the future Boston College runner.
Shannon Lyle adds even more senior leadership to the midfield.
“They set the culture and tone of maturity and seriousness,” Juskaitis said of her veterans before adding that the entire Vail Christian squad has a “put-me-anywhere-coach” attitude.
“I love that — they’re open to anything,” she said. “They’re very eager to learn the game.”
The Saints opened their season with a 4-1 loss to Front Range Christian on Saturday in Edwards. They host Loveland Classical on Thursday and Rifle on Friday. Juskaitis said Rifle will be a valuable measuring stick.
“They’re always kind of the nemesis,” she said of the Bears, adding that she hopes the Saints will be more competitive than last year’s 4-0 loss. Juskaitis thinks her added depth — 25 athletes came out for the team this spring compared to 18 last year — will help, and is striving to create a “diverse group of players that can play in a variety of places.”
“Knowing that every person has something to offer,” she added.
“I want the girls to be exposed to an environment where they can really feel confident in their playing abilities and they can gain confidence in just who they are as young women.”
For Juskaitis, a supportive environment is the most important ingredient in the recipe for continued growth.
“I want everyone to understand the importance of respecting each other and encouraging each other as a team,” she said. “With that mentality, we can do really well.”
