Dylan Slager is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Chaparral High School for AZPreps365.com.

The girls soccer program at Chaparral High School has thrived upon the success of the team since its inception. A large part of this is due to the impact and legacy that each senior class leaves for the younger players.

A major focus within the team is the family dynamic. All players on the squad, from freshman to senior, play a vital role and it is made known by both players and coaches.

“I feel like all of us on this team know that this sport is more than just soccer and we all play together as a family,” said senior Morgan Cohen. “I feel it has helped up develop throughout this season.”

The seniors weighed in on how important the beginning of the season is. The bond that they create at the start could make or break the formula of the team over the course of the schedule. With only a few weeks to create a winning dynamic, the girls have to work hard in the off season to prove why they earned the 23 roster spots.

“We have 14 through 18 year olds on this team and that is a really fun group to work with,” said senior Rachel Burke. “We all come from different clubs but we are able to bond and learn to play as a team.”

“I think that, as a freshman, I looked up to the seniors so much. So now that I am here and seeing how the freshmen have developed since just November has been really cool to see,” added senior Mikaela Carlson.

A unique aspect to the team's dynamic is how close these girls are after the whistle blows. They win and lose as a team, however they use that teamwork more than just on the field. The use of off the field exercises and interactions were mentioned and emphasized by the seniors as ways to develop the way the team plays and the way they live their lives.

With all the leadership the seniors display, these aspects of the team all come from a very important person, the coach. Coach Robyn Carlson, who started the program, has been the glue for the team and those of the past. Her words and coaching style allow the players to be themselves on and be just as confident in themselves off the field. 

“I always found that she was easy to talk to, which I feel is so important to have in a coach,” said senior goalkeeper Ciara Ulreich-Power. “Another thing I find is that she is very motivating, and not just to the starters. She makes it known that everybody needs to be ready at any time. Whether you are on the bench or starting, you need to be ready.” 

“The big thing about Coach Carlson is that she just wants it so bad. She wants to win and it reflects on us. I feel like it makes us want it more because we want to win it for us but now also for her as well,” said senior Faith Secrest.

With another incredible regular season performance in 2022-23, the Firebirds look to continue the string of success as they continue to use the beauty of the game of soccer to create and develop the players and women of the future.

Chaparral will face Catalina Foothills on Wednesday in the 5A girls' soccer semifinals.