Cayleigh T had always loved soccer, but becoming a freshman on the varsity team was something she had only dreamed about before high school started. When the season finally arrived, she felt excited but also a little nervous. The varsity field looked bigger, the players seemed faster, and the expectations were higher. Still, Cayleigh was ready to give it her best.

When asked what it felt like to make varsity as a freshman, Cayleigh said, “Honestly, I was really surprised. I didn’t think I would make it my first year, but I was super excited when I found out.”

During the first few practices, Cayleigh worked hard to keep up with the upperclassmen. The drills were fast and intense, and the coaches expected a lot from the team. When asked what the biggest challenge was, she explained, “The speed of the game is definitely different from middle school soccer. Everyone moves really fast, so you have to think quickly.”

Despite the challenges, Cayleigh said the team made her feel welcome. The older players helped her learn plays and encouraged her during practice. “The seniors are actually really supportive,” she said. “They helped me a lot during the first week.”

In a lot of games during the season, Cayleigh even managed to score goals, which boosted her confidence in the best way possible. When asked about those moments, she laughed and said, “I wasn’t even sure if they would go in, but when it did I was really happy.”

Looking ahead to the rest of the season, Cayleigh hopes to keep improving and help the team however she can. “My goal is just to keep getting better and contribute to the team,” she said.

Being a freshman on varsity can be intimidating, but Cayleigh T is proving that hard work and confidence can help you rise to the challenge.