Coming off of a promising 6-0 victory in Thursday’s season-opener against Long Island City High School, the Townsend Harris Girls Varsity Soccer team looks forward to the road that lies ahead. Led by senior captain Sophia Lee as well as junior captains Jordan Tsao and Rio Ishiyama, the girls have set their aspirations high with the collective goal of making a deep playoff run this year.

“It’s all about staying in the present, and doing everything you can in the moment to help your team win,” she said, looking forward to her final season. As a member of the team for four consecutive years, Sophia’s leadership is rooted in experience and extends beyond the field. From her freshman-year championship run to last-year’s second-round early playoff exit, she has witnessed the team’s highs and lows.

“I hope to lead by example and ensure that all of my teammates are being supported and encouraged,” said Jordan. “Our coach is extremely passionate and dedicated and is always going above and beyond in supporting us, which really elevates our team to the next level.”

Evaluating his team based on what he has seen so far, Coach Vaselios Sioukas praised this year’s roster. “We have so many returning players and the addition of two solid freshmen,” he said. “With the leadership and confidence of our captains, we will get a good seed in the playoffs.” 

While speaking to The Classic, members of the team expressed collective pride in their ability to build team chemistry. “Our team put in a lot of hard work during the off season and works amazingly together, and it was evident in our gameplay,” said Jordan. “Everyone is just so supportive of each other and is committed to helping each other improve.” 

“We’re getting better with each practice, and I can see the improvement in our games,” said Rio. “With each win, we aspire to keep moving one step forward.” 

Similarly, sophomore Summer Ko said, “The community this team has built makes for such a fun and positive environment.”

When evaluating their next steps, the team shared a variety of goals. “Our offense looks really good, and I am very lucky to have three players going for goalkeeper. The team will have to work on ball possession and defense,” said Coach Sioukas. 

Summer said, “I want to step up and help raise the level of the team. I’ll put my all into practice and contribute in games with assists and become a better distributor.”

Looking at the journey ahead, Jordan says, “One piece of advice I would give to underclassmen on the team is to bond with your teammates and enjoy the experience of being part of a team–highschool flies by so quickly. Being on a sports team is not just about playing the sport and winning–it’s also about developing friendships, having fun and walking away from a game with a great experience. I know I made some of my best friends through being on a sports team, and I’m hoping my teammates could do the same.”