Parkdale’s Girls soccer team has opened the season with a new head varsity coach Ms. Rebecca Bethea. So far, it seems that the change is for the better as the program is seeming to prosper more than years prior, particularly with a recent win in their playoff game against Duval 2-1 who had previously defeated the Panthers.
Both coaches have a past with the Parkdale soccer team, with Coach Bethea having coached the team in the past before COVID. During her previous tenure, her team went on to win the 2021 regional championship.
With that past experience, it is hopeful that this team can prosper under her leadership.
There have been new and returning players who seem to be leading the team into a positive future, especially under the leadership of their captains.
One of the varsity captains is junior Lucy Saldana who has been a varsity starter since her freshman year.
“Since the new coach, the team chemistry has changed dramatically,” said Saldana. “We have much better communication and understanding with each other and the coach.”
Another varsity captain is senior Ellen Morrell who also has been a varsity starter since her freshman year. She is hopeful her last year is one filled with lots of success.
“I’m very excited to be a captain this year, especially with the potential this team has,” Morrell said. “I’m glad that I get to play my last season with good coaches and supportive teammates.”
Throughout the season, the team haa shown strong promise. They have won against teams that they have lost to in previous years like Duval High School. Their record for the regular season amounts to 6 wins and 5 losses.
The program not only has grown skill-wise but also in numbers as many more girls both on their varsity and junior varsity teams have joined, allowing the teams to get more traction.
With the win over Duvall in the playoffs, the team went into the semi-finals. However, the team ended their season with a loss to Flowers in the semi-finals, 3-1.
Although ending in a loss, the team’s won in teamwork and collaboration, both on and off-field.
“Our team is much more positive this year,” Morrell said. “Instead of everyone being on their own, we are more like one team.”
Game Stats:
9/9 Northwestern: W 4-2
9/12 Eleanor Roosevelt: L 0-5
9/16 Bladensburg: W 1-0
9/19 High Point: W 3-1
9/23 Suitland: W 7-0
9/26 Wise: L 1-2
9/30 Bowie: L 0-1
10/7 Duval: W 1-0
10/10 Flowers: L 0-3
10/14 Gwynn Park: W 1-0
10/17 Laurel: L 0-2
10/23 Duval W 1-0
10/25 Flowers L 3-1
