THE END OF AN ERA

By DEVIN LEWIS

For high school athletes, each game is worth much more than the final score.  These are the moments that student athletes will take with them as they grow into adults. From the time students started to walk, sports have been a huge part of their lives, shaping them into who they are today.  The Washingtonville girl’s soccer program is a great example of this.

Last Thursday, the Washingtonville girls soccer team lost to Goshen with a score of 4-2.  Even though the they lost, the girls were not phased by the final score. As much as they wanted to end their careers on their home field with a win, playing alongside one another was all they needed. Senior captain, Megan Geary, stated, “I wouldn't trade any of my teammates for the world.” This was the last game the senior Wizards would ever play on their home field, and the girl’s cherished each moment while enjoying the experience. 

DEVIN LEWIS FOR THE WIZARD WEEKLY

The Wizards fell behind early 0-2, but never gave up as they scored 2 straight goals within a few minutes of each other. One of those goals was scored by senior Abigail Abbott who was electrified after scoring, tieing up the game.  “I felt a lot of energy from the team after that and being the last time playing on that field felt amazing.” 

Goshen took back control as the game wound down, but the smiles and emotions of the Washingtonville girls did not go away.  As the clock hit zero, the senior girls were barraged by family and friends for all their dedication to the Washingtonville program over the years.  At the end of the game, the underclassmen gave speeches to the seniors on how they've impacted this team and the players around them.

These young athletes have been through numerous ups and downs over the course of their careers. Senior captain Morgan Creeden has had her dreams of becoming section champs shattered year after year as they have lost in three straight semi-finals. Creeden, along with the other seniors, have used this as motivation this season. “This has really pushed me and my teammates to work hard this season so we can win.”

Once again, the Wizards were back in the semi finals, matched up against a tough Monroe team.  It was a rough day for the Wizards as they lost 4-0.  The team, especially the seniors, should be proud of themselves as they have played exceptionally well, not only this season, but throughout the entirety of their careers.  

What is so amazing about this group of seniors is that they've made a special bond with the underclassmen and will, for sure, leave an impact on the future of Washingtonville soccer. Megan Geary is one of the leaders of this team and made sure the younger girls are ready for the big stage.  “I'm always pushing the younger girls to try and understand drive and motivation.”

This is far from the end of soccer for some of the seniors.  Both captains, Morgan Creeden and Megan Geary, plan on playing soccer at the next level.  The senior girls have made incredible memories as Wizard athletes and will make great representations for Washingtonville in the next chapter of their lives.