The Shaler Area Girls Soccer team has wrapped up another season. While it may have not been as successful as it had hoped, finishing with an overall record of 3-13-1, the team continued to work toward their goals and create lasting memories throughout the season.

The season started out with a much younger team than usual. With only eight upperclassmen on the team, it was difficult to introduce a varsity level of play to the younger members. This was especially challenging considering many of the returning players were learning to play new positions. However, these challenges brought about goals for the team in the beginning of the season.

“Our goals were to work on the team dynamic and try to connect better as a team. We wanted to bring a strong effort to every game and give our all even if the odds weren’t in our favor,” senior defender Anna Sheets said.

With these goals in mind, the team faced some of their biggest opponents like North Allegheny and Seneca Valley. Although they were unable to pull out the win against these teams, they still brought everything they had and continued to fight until the time ran out. The girls played with this team mentality all throughout the season allowing them to create many lasting memories.

“My most memorable moment from this season was when we beat Highlands 6-0 and Coach Craig did a somersault for every goal we scored down the track and bought us all t-shirts from the tournament,” Sheets said.

Senior defender Diana Shebetich also formed many memories from this season with the team.

“My most memorable moment was probably our overtime win against West Mifflin. I just remember being so tired as Taylor Pierce kicked the ball in the net and it went right through the West Mifflin goalie’s hands. It was a great feeling to run over and form a dog pile on top of her,” Shebetich said.

As a senior on the varsity team, Shebetich learned a lot of lessons throughout the years and wanted to share some with the younger members of the team.

“Do not get discouraged. You cannot hyper-fixate on one pass you didn’t make or not getting rid of the ball sooner because the game is constantly changing. In the end, I would try to focus more on the positives, creating lasting memories with your teammates,” Shebetich said.

Coach Craig Wilkins was happy to see his team come together with the older players helping out the younger ones. With this young team, he is excited to see what the future holds for them.

“I’m looking forward to seeing this group continue to work hard, stay positive, and build a winning culture,” Wilkins said.