Palos Verdes High School’s girls soccer team has started the season swinging, going 7-2 in their league matches and achieving an overall record of 14-3-1.
With impressive victories over Redondo, Mira Costa, Culver City, and recently Peninsula High School, the team looks to maintain their dominance through the rest of the season and carry it into the postseason.
“The key to our success is we have some talented players that are hungry to improve. Our team has come a long way so far this season,” head coach Joe Flanagan explained.
“We have come together quicker that I expected.”
Coach Flanagan knows that with the talent that this team has, they can make a deep run in the playoffs.
“I’ve really enjoyed it,” Flanagan said.
“We have a good young group, and we have a lot of potential. Our current team has a chance to compete for the league title this year, so we are happy to be in that position. We have four games left in league and we control our own destiny.”
Despite the team’s dominance during their past matches, Flanagan believes the girls still have plenty of room for growth and refinement.
“We have to continue to improve,” Flanagan said.
“The Bay League is very competitive this year, so every game is tough. We can’t rely on what we did in the first half of the season.”
Due to the competitiveness in Bay League competition, Flanagan stresses the importance of having a resilient mentality during successful stretches of the season.
“It’s important that our mindset is to play our best every time we step on the field. The best part is I know we can still get better, which is a good sign when our overall record is 14-3-1.”
Along with the coaching staff and supporters, the players believe that this season’s team has been truly special.
“We all motivate each other to perform at the highest level and have had great chemistry this season,” junior Sophia Kwon explained.
“We also have a very supportive environment and have been working hard.”
The new coaching staff has also made a profound impact on the team.
“Coach Joe and Coach Jill have done an amazing job in motivating our team this season,” Kwon said.
“As a new coaching staff this year, they have pushed us to perform at our very best while emphasizing the joy that should come out of playing.”
Holding an outstanding record of 14-3-1, the team seeks to maintain their top-seeded position and carry their success into the postseason.
“Our ultimate goal for the season is to win Bay League and try to get as far as we can for CIFs,” Kwon said.
“In order to reach it, we will continue to focus on working hard, strategizing as a team and maintaining our team chemistry.”