With more than a dozen returning players, Head Coach Kyle Connolly and Assistant Coach Ellie Sperry see an opportunity for older and returning players to set the tone and culture and continue to build their identity as a team in a highly competitive Lakes Region League. More than a month into the season, the Hornets' record stands at 3-5, having faced tough opponents early in the season. As they enter the second half of their campaign, the team remains focused on their ultimate goal of reaching the postseason. However, equally crucial to their on-field performance is the continued development of a positive team culture, where players support each other as they develop not only as athletes but as integral members of the broader Proctor community. With upcoming matches against Brewster, Cushing, Berwick, Tilton, Kimball Union Academy, and a season finale against rival Holderness on "Holderness Day," the Hornets look to finish the season strong!
For Coach Connolly, one of the primary focuses this season has been in empowering the team to take ownership of their program. He notes, “This started with the summer and preseason where the captains, Bella and Morgan, took the lead in setting the tone and culture with their teammates. As always, this is a challenging process, but we have sought to help our team embrace and meet challenge head-on.” He adds, “Establishing a team culture is the main focus and the most difficult thing for a team to navigate with each given season. We have a large group of seniors, so there are many voices that help focus the group on what is most important.”
Connolly continues, “As in years past, we have enjoyed hearing from each of our seniors during their "This is why I play" speeches. These are short 3-5 minute presentations that each senior member of the team delivers throughout the year at practices. The themes so far this year have really focused on the community and relationships that they have built through soccer at Proctor. It is a powerful and important reminder of how we center ourselves around the 'family' sense of team.”
Senior Captains Bella Morgan and Morgan Hart Nibbrig share their insights on the season, emphasizing the strong team community that defines the Girls Varsity soccer program at Proctor. They highlight how the team has come together, blending returning players with newcomers, and how they've learned from past senior leaders to create a supportive environment for all team members. They both look forward to upcoming contests, particularly the match against perennial rival Holderness, which is also their senior game!
What is your favorite part about the Girls Varsity soccer program at Proctor?
Bella: My favorite part about the Girls Varsity Soccer at Proctor is how our team is like a family. We care so much for each other on and off the field; when people are having a hard day, practice is always something that they can look forward to turn their day around. And, of course, our coaches are the best ones on campus. They are so caring and supportive of each and every one of us, always checking in with us throughout the week.
Morgan: I love how this team has become my family over the years. Not just the girls that I am playing with but our coaches as well.
Now that we are almost a month into the season, how has this team come together as a group of returning players and incoming players?
Morgan: This year, our team is mostly returning players, with 16 returners and 5 new players. We have definitely clicked and have gotten into the groove of playing together. Starting the season off with a tough loss against Austin Prep, we wanted even more going into our Lakes Region games and have been giving each team a hard-fought battle regardless of the outcome, win or lose.
Bella: Thinking about the past month here on campus with the team, it’s been an amazing blend of different characters and personalities, and our bus rides, practices, and games are full of laughter and joy. And watching returning players be so supportive and helpful to the new incoming players has been awesome to watch.
How did you learn from last year's seniors and older teammates in the past? Did they help teach you to be a leader?
Bella: One thing that I’ve learned from the past year’s senior class is to always to be supportive of underclassmen. Even though they may not be going through the same level of stress with AP classes and college applications, they are still new to their grade and the level of work they have to do. And I always strive to be a leader that is thoughtful, caring, and supportive.
Morgan: The past leaders on this team are what I feel like made it feel like such a family. They brought all of us together no matter the circumstance and made sure each and every one of us felt like we had someone. I wanted to live up to that group leader role and continue to bring the team together.
Looking ahead at your schedule, what games are you most excited about and what goals do you have, personally or collectively, as a team?
Morgan: I am really excited to see how our game against Holderness goes, they are always a very even match with us, and it will be a very competitive game. Our team needs to continue what we are doing and continue to work together during the remainder of the season. We want to continue to have fun but also work hard and stay focused, and our overall goal is to make it to the post season!
Bella: I am also excited for Holderness Day because that game always brings a lot of energy from the stands and from the bench, and the overall atmosphere on campus is always positive and joyful. Plus, it is our senior night so I’m super excited to get to see my whole family.
Follow Proctor’s Girls Varsity Soccer Team on Instagram HERE!
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