Football Reborn

By Sam Owen

It’s football season. 

Again.

The international kind, not the American kind. At least, I certainly hope so, or else our girls are severely under-padded. Shin guards can only do so much against a linebacker.

The team started the spring season at a disadvantage; many of the original fall semester players could not return, forcing the team to have additional tryouts halfway through the year to find fresh blood.

And find it they did. The active selection of Laura Choi (9), Naomi Weidemann (12), Addie Elliott (9), Sophia Coker (11), and Isabella Coker (9), and return of Marissa Elliott (11) proved favorable as they are forces to be reckoned with and have greatly benefitted the dynamic of the team.

But the provision of new players didn’t mean the transition was easy.

Noella Seevaratnam (12), captain and footballer for over five years, explained that the gap between seasons presented a challenge as it required “learning to work as a team and rely on each other’s strengths in a short manner of time.”

However, she ultimately concluded that the short practice time with a new team “only made us stronger” and left her “excited to see how this team progresses after [she] leaves.”

We, as the supporters of Dalat Athletics, have to agree. All year, both the fall and spring, players have been training devotedly, honing technique, and posting reels regularly at the expense of Uncle Keith.

Alexia Nyul (12), one of the captains, articulated the team’s preparation: “We have been working hard in our daily practices, making sure we have our cardio up and our teamwork solidified.”

ACSC football didn’t start today. Our girls haven’t been fighting their hearts out for this tournament just this week but throughout the ups and downs of multiple seasons. This week is just when their work pays off. 

This is the throwdown. This is the last stand. This is the final countdown.