Varsity Lambert Girls Soccer has had an incredible season so far, boasting an overall record of 12-1 and ranking fourth in Georgia. The team is currently second in the region playoffs and is working hard to reach their ultimate goal — winning the state championship.
As the season continues and the players’ drive to win intensifies, captain and senior Kelly Walsh is determined to lead her team to their best season yet. She feels like their hard work and passion for the program has allowed them to reach their full potential so far this season.
“The team chemistry is really good and everyone just kinda clicked from the beginning,” Walsh explained. “I think our work ethic is way different; we could go far this year if everyone wants it.”
As a senior and captain this year, Walsh’s role and impact on the team has expanded. She aspires to be a leader who can make sure the team is ready for any challenges and is constantly improving.
“My personal goal is definitely filling in that leader role and making sure that everyone is on top of things,” Walsh said. “I’m really trying to be a picking-you-up kind of captain and making sure we’re all on the same page.”
For a sport like soccer, team chemistry can make or break the players’ performance. All the players need to have a high level of trust with each other to make sure each game and goal goes perfectly. The bond between teammates has been strengthened and refined through team bonding, practices and games.
“I think we just all have a different type of passion for the sport and even with the coaches, they pushed us harder than any other high school coaches,” Walsh shared. “I think that’s what makes us better than other schools.”
The team has been tested numerous times this season as well; one of the hardest games was their first loss of the season against West Forsyth High School. It was a turning point in their season and the loss motivated them to keep going.
“We had never really been challenged up until [West Forsyth High School], so it was really just like an eye-opener,” Walsh said.
As the players head into the playoffs, Walsh hopes that the team’s energy will empower them to move forward and reach their goal of winning the state championship.
“The motto of the program is just like ‘win forever’ but it has a deeper meaning to all of us,” Walsh emphasized.
While winning is the ultimate goal for the team, the players consistently strive to make their passion their priority.
