Athletes of the Week: Lauren Arkell & Anna Reaman
The opposing team’s forward comes storming down the field, dribbling the soccer ball as she strides toward Exeter’s goal. As she crosses into Big Red’s defensive area, senior and midfielder Lauren Arkell flies towards her opponent and intercepts the ball before dribbling towards the opposite goal. When she sights a teammate across the field, she passes the ball precisely and it lands into the possession of senior and forward Anna Reaman. Reaman charges into the ball and strikes the ball into the far corner of the goal. The ball rockets into net and cheers from the crowd follow.
"As members of the varsity team throughout all three years, Reaman and Arkell are two of the most skilled players on the team."
Reaman and Arkell are the co-captains of the girls varsity soccer team, also known as Soxie. The two experienced seniors hold the tremendous responsibility of leading the team of twenty through their eighteen games this fall season.
Reaman, affectionately nicknamed “Hingham” by her teammates, began playing soccer at the age of six in a youth program called “Kicker K’s” designed for kindergarteners. Passion for the sport came naturally for Reaman as her father played soccer throughout college. Reaman credited her dad as one of her biggest motivators throughout her sporting career. The senior recalled a practice exercise her father encouraged her to do daily when she was younger. Reaman would go to her backyard and kick her soccer ball into the bounce back net fifty times with each leg. She said that her dad’s involvement “made [her] into the player [she is] today.” She continued, “I will forever thank him for that.” Reaman also expressed her gratitude to her mother for always being supportive of her soccer career. Reaman reminisced about the memory of her mom doing her hair before every game. “She is one of my strongest supporters,” she added. “Not only did she want me to be a great soccer player, but she would also want me to look like the best soccer player.”
Coming to Exeter as a new lower, Reaman played for Hingham High School’s varsity team during her freshman year. Coming from one of the most successful high school soccer programs, the senior found Soxie to be a highly impactful group. Describing the team as “amazing”, Reaman expressed her appreciation for the Soxie’s close knit team environment and chemistry. “The team has really been one cohesive unit. Everyone on the team gets along and everyone really enjoys being around each other,” she said. Reaman elaborated that the sense of community within a soccer team attracted her to the sport. “Soccer is all about communication and the small things that really bring the whole team together,” she explained.
Similarly, Arkell got into the sport with encouragement and guidance from her family. Arkell explained that her dad was her soccer coach from kindergarten up until high school. The senior also mentioned that she wanted to follow in the footsteps of her older sister. Seeing her as a role model, Arkell was motivated to excel at the same sport her sister played in high school.
Before coming to Exeter as a new lower, Arkell was a member of Exeter High School’s soccer team. During her time at EHS, Arkell was one of the youngest members of a highly competitive team. As a result, Arkell didn’t feel fully integrated into the EHS team during her time there. However, after transferring to the Academy, the co-captain explained that she found many close friends on the team and enjoyed the close team environment. “Here at Exeter, soccer is where I met my best friends. And now that I’m older, I feel closer to a lot of girls on the team,” she said.
After playing on the varsity team for their first two years, Reaman and Arkell were elected as co-captains of the Soxie team in their senior year. Also elected as two of the girls’ varsity lacrosse captains for the spring, their superb leadership abilities are renowned all around campus. To Reaman, the title of captain means setting a good example for the younger members of the team and ensuring the team has a balance of having fun and working hard. Arkell also expressed her hopes that the new members of the team will feel as welcome on the team as she did two years ago. “I think it’s important to make everyone feel like part of the team and for everyone to get along on the field,” Arkell added.
Reaman and Arkell’s close friendship has made their job as co-captains more enjoyable. Arkell explained that they share their duties of captain evenly and are able to communicate well with each other. Reaman also discussed her close relationship with Arkell. “It is really awesome to be able to lead a team with one of your best friends because we are able to truly voice our opinions and listen to each other without feeling the need to censor anything,” Reaman said, with a smile.
Described as “incredible role models,” their teammates praised them for the positive influence they have on the team. Upper Juliana Merullo explained that the two captains always lead by example. “They are always working the hardest, but also having the most fun,” she said. Lower Dennesha Rolle agreed with Merullo and added that Reaman and Arkell are always willing to reach out to their teammates. “They are vocal and are always willing to lend a helping hand if someone is struggling,” Rolle explained. “They both lift us up during tough games and really help foster the feeling of community on the team.”
Both on and off the soccer field, Reaman is known for her upbeat and outgoing personality. Lower Abby Smith commented on the bright aura Reaman brings wherever she goes. “Anna is one of the happiest people I know; she is always smiling and having fun. She brings positive energy to the team every practice and game.” Rolle echoed Smith’s sentiments and added that Reaman’s “laugh is contagious”.
Arkell is regarded as one of the hardest working players on the team. Always leading by example, members of Soxie praised Arkell for her work ethic. “She puts all her effort into every game and practice consistently,” Smith said. “This inspires the rest of us to work hard as well.” Her teammates also commended Arkell for her supportive and selfless personality. “She is always encouraging everyone else to be positive and cheer each other on and it’s incredibly inspiring to stand next to someone who consistently puts everyone else before herself,” Reaman said about her co-captain.
As members of the varsity team throughout all three years, Reaman and Arkell are two of the most skilled players on the team. Called a “universal player” by Arkell, Reaman is a versatile player who is highly capable in both the defender and forward position. Merullo expressed her admiration for Reaman’s smooth transition from defender to forward. “She didn’t make a big deal out of it, rather just dedicated herself to the new position, and was rewarded with a goal against Deerfield.”
She is also known for her incredible power and explosiveness during games. Assistant coach Alexa Caldwell applauded Reaman for the skill she brings to the field. “Anna is explosive and dangerous. At attack, if she is open for a shot, you know it is going to be a rocket,” she said.
As the center midfielder, Arkell is a dynamic player who plays a critical role in the team’s successes. Smith highlighted Arkell’s control over the ball in both the defensive and offensive zones. “Her passes have lead to many goals and she has impressive ball skills,” she said. Merullo also praised Arkell for the effort and grit she displays at every game. “Lauren is just a real workhorse,” Merullo elaborated. “She always goes into tackles with 100% [of her effort], and even if she gets fouled bad she just jumps right up and shakes it off.” Caldwell echoed Merullo’s sentiments and added that she is the key player to “link the defense and to the offense.”
After this season, it is possible that Reaman and Arkell will no longer play soccer competitively in their future. However, both captains plan on continuing their athletic careers in college through lacrosse. Arkell is already committed to play lacrosse for a D1 school, Davidson College, while Reaman will be playing lacrosse at Bates College. Nonetheless, Reaman explained that she will attend her college’s soccer games to show support and potentially play club soccer.
Looking ahead, Arkell expressed her desire to end her last season with Soxie successfully. “As a leader of this team I hope to finish with a good record and to make this a team that no one forgets,” she said. Reaman agreed with Arkell and also discussed how much she will miss Exeter when she graduates. “My experience at Exeter would not have been the same without the amazing people I have met,” Reaman exclaimed. “This school has made me so unbelievably happy and I am actually going to miss everything about it.”