Boys' Soccer Looks to Rebound from Tough Season

With the schedule set and the players ready to go, boys’ varsity soccer convened for preseason and prepared to begin another season. 

Head coach AJ Cosgrove said that a competitive approach and a consistent level of attitude and energy will be key to the team’s success this season. "I would like the team to be as competitive as possible, and I want all players to have fun," Cosgrove said. "We look at the season one game at a time, with the goal being to win every game."

Cosgrove added that the team's schedule this year will be more challenging than previous years' schedules since Berkshire Academy, the highest ranked New England team, and BB&N, another strong New England team, have been added to the list of opponents.

Senior and co-captain Sterling Weatherbie echoed Cosgrove’s sentiments. Weatherbie said that he looks forward to this season, mainly because most members of the last year’s team are returning, which will give the team an advantage by having pre-existing bonds. 

“I am excited about being with the team this year,” Weatherbie said. “Most of the team from last year is returning this year so we have really good chemistry and hopefully that shows in the games.”

Senior and left midfielder Max Rerkpattanapipat said that he looks forward to being a part of the team for one last season and let out his fervor for the sport. 

“For the seniors, including me, this is our last season. So I'm most excited about putting everything—my training and my love for the game—out onto the field. We have a lot of talent, so I'm excited to see how far this team will go.”

Upper and central attacking midfielder Devin Moore said that pre-season also will contribute to the team’s chemistry and allow the team to fully exploit the inherent talents of individual players. 

“I think preseason was really helpful in bringing the team together. We were at team prep camp last week, and we look really solid this year,” Moore said. “We have a lot of returners, which is good, and then we brought in a few new guys.”

“I'm excited to meet the new guys and to see if we can contend for a championship,” Moore added. 

Other players said that preseason training “Prep Camp,” a week-long camp for varsity athletes, was beneficial in getting to know new teammates and preparing for the tight schedule this year. 

Lower Quintin DiStefano said that Prep Camp allowed the team to become cohesive and gave everyone a chance to acclimate to each others’ playing styles. 

“Prep Camp was a huge success. [Co-captains] Sterling and Ted brought the team close, and we were able to get two wins in two games. So far, the boys are getting the job done and having a great time doing it. I can't wait to get on campus and show that to everyone else,” DiStefano said. 

Weatherbie emphasized the inevitability of challenges despite the auspices of the team’s performance this season. 

“I'm sure we're going to face adversity, and responding to that adversity is going to be a challenge that we can hopefully overcome,” he said.

Rerkpattanapipat said that such challenges will not hamper the team, as long as each player endeavors to put in his maximum effort. 

“While everyone consistently trains hard, does their part and works together as a team, everything will come together, and we will make the tournament and go far together,” Rerkpattanapipat said.