Girls’ Soccer Finishes Season with Four Wins; Tie Against Andover

Led by co-captains and seniors Jacie Lemos and Bridget Higgins, the girls earned a win-loss record of 4-12, finishing out the end of the season with a 2-2 tie against Andover at fall E/a. The team acquired two new coaches, head coach Kevin Bartkovich and assistant coach Lindsey Mitchell.

The record was less than ideal. Senior Hailey Hudson said, “In the past few years, we haven’t come out of our seasons with a record that we are satisfied with, but that doesn’t change the fact that we are one of the hardest working and tight knit teams on campus.” Many of the players were new to Exeter in the fall, which made it difficult for the team to get along smoothly in the first several weeks of the season. “Even though we only won four games, I feel that there was still a lot of skill on the team but the problem was just that we were not working together all the time,” upper Hannah Gustafson said.

Before they could develop as a team, Gustafson said that they needed a good amount of time to “gel.” “I feel that the ‘gelling’ was not complete until we won our first game. This game raised our spirits and definitely united us as a team,” Gustafson said.

She said that there were social struggles within the team. “There were some times during the season where the dynamic was a little rocky and there were some tensions within the team and between girls on the team and the coach. This created an unhealthy environment for some kids on the team.” However, she said that the team’s work ethic was strong enough to help the girls rise above conflicts. “When we were working together and were focused in practice it directly translated to the games and you could see the difference in our play,” she said.

“I’m going to miss our late night practices, team bonfires, prep camp dances and all of the memories made throughout my four years on soxie.”

Captain and senior Jacie Lemos echoed reports from Gustafson and Hudson about player dedication, discipline and focus. These factors were particularly impressive in the face of the adjustments that were necessary to accommodate the new coaches and the number of new players. She also spoke highly of what the team became. “Everyone worked hard for each other and to improve. The team is also super close. I love everyone, and [returners are] friends year round, which I really think helps make the season more fun and gives us a better dynamic on and off the field.” According to Lemos, the team’s dynamic shifted from conflict to a positive supportive environment. “I felt extremely supported by the team because it was my first season back after a year of being out with an ACL injury. And they helped me a ton with that process,” she said.

Senior Bridget Higgins expressed equal pride in her team’s persistence. “I couldn’t be more thankful than to have spent my last season of varsity soccer with the team that I did,” she said. “Overall, we had hard games and challenges with every coming week. But there was never a time that I thought I couldn’t rely on the girl next to me to work harder every day. I am proud of the dedication of our team.”

Upper Emma Dyer said that she has never had captain leadership so strong. “The number one thing that pulled the team together were the captains. Jacie and Bridget were phenomenal, there for everyone else, and never conceited or selfish. The balance between their personalities helped the team to succeed,” she said.

Senior Hailey Hudson agreed. “Throughout my four years on the team we’ve had really strong captain leadership that has helped propel us through the wins, the losses and everything in between, and Jacie Lemos and Bridget Higgins really excelled at it this year,” she said. “I am so proud of everything they did for us; I’m proud of every single girl on soxie.” She also recognized the new coaches for their own dedication to success. “Coach [Nolan] Lincoln, our new assistant coach, was such a positive influence to the team and helped us all as players develop and find our strengths while pinpointing our weaknesses and making changes. He was really awesome.”

Looking ahead to future seasons, team members remain optimistic. “I am positive that next year is going to be even better. The group of next year’s seniors is outstanding in terms of leadership and skill, and I have no doubt that they will succeed next season,” Higgins said. “I hope that the team is able to work together better next year earlier in the season.

Dyer noted that the highlight of the season was the Fall E/a tie, which was the only game the team played on turf that season. Because of the different environment, their strong play was especially impressive, and a “great ending to the season.” She listed some things that should help the team improve greatly between this season and the next, which include “more pre-season conditioning motivated by the team’s desire to get better on its own, spending time together as a team and getting familiar with the coach.”

In reflection, the graduating senior players became nostalgic about their experiences in the soccer program. “I’m going to miss our late night practices, team bonfires, prep camp dances (shoutout to LIPGLOSS) and all of the memories made throughout my four years on soxie,” Hudson said.

“I’m going to miss everyone on the team. Seeing them and playing alongside such talented people made me a better person,” Higgins said.