With our fall sports season imminent, anticipation is bubbling under the population of students here at Liberty. Let’s take a look at the projection of our teams this year.
Boys Soccer
Last year, our varsity boys soccer team had an outstanding season with a record of 19-3 and a conference title for a third straight year in a row. They also got to hold the GAC Cup high and secured multiple wins in the districts for the second straight year in a row.
Today, Coach Tony Luedecke holds his team to an even higher standard and has great expectations for this year’s group of players.
“We have some high expectations for our group this year because we’re senior heavy,” Luedecke said. “We have 12 seniors, the most I ever had. So, this year we’ll have much more experience. We’re also looking to compete in the conference and make a run in the districts for the third straight year in the row.”
Luedecke also shared his aspirations for the year if his team were to go above and beyond his expectations.
“I would like for us to compete every single game,” Luedecke said. “I would like for us to make a nice run in our STL Champions League as well and win the conference again. Lastly, the end goal for us would just be to be playing the best soccer we can at the end of the year for districts.”
Additionally, Luedecke emphasized that he wants his team to understand how they want to play and to prepare for the season our varsity boys soccer team has been training all summer, and they are continuing to build off of that for their conditioning.
Finally, Luedecke expects Jackson Rocco and Cannon Nord to rise as student leaders this year.
Boys Swimming
Unfortunately, our boys swimming team put too much on their plate last year and ended up only winning two meets. However, they plan to learn from last year’s mistakes and apply what they have learned to this year’s season.
Coach Stephanie Seidel expressed what her expectation is for the season.
“My expectation is that the boys improve and show growth individually in their respective events but also have fun,” Seidel said.
Furthermore, Seidel showed her unique view on what her wishes would be for her team.
“Our goal for this season is to compete,” Seidel said. “With such a small team, it will not be about the number of wins or losses we have, but rather, how we were able to compete in those individual races.”
Our varsity boys swimming team has also been training for the season by practicing the proper technique for all strokes and distances, and incorporating work on speed and endurance. Seidel stressed that their focus would be important too and they could seek advice and reminders from her if they needed it.
Lastly, Seidel expects to see great success this season from student leaders, Ryan Lipski (swimming), and Elijah Quest (diving), each in their respective events.
Girls Golf
With a fresh new coach, the girls golf team is getting started with a brand new look, point of view, and somewhat of a clean slate, just in time for the upcoming season.
Next, Coach Annie Johnson explained her optimistic expectation for her first season.
“I’m hoping to build on the growth from last year,” Johnson said. “The girls have all been putting in the work during the off season and have continued since the season has started. I’m excited to see how that pays off for the girls.”
Then, she indicated what her aspirational goals were for her new team.
“My primary goals for the upcoming girls high school golf season are centered on team success, individual improvement, and fostering a supportive team environment,” Johnson said. “We have a strong group of returning players so our expectation is to compete at the highest level. We’re also focused on competing in our conference and hoping to have some state qualifiers.”
Finally, Johnson expects to see a lot of growth and leadership skills from her two seniors Cat Paige and Emerson Stubblefield.
Cross Country
Cross country is raring to go the distance this season, and has the stamina to do so.
Having broken several individual records last year, it was crucial for the season oncoming to continue to encourage such growth. An essential portion of this is the energy of the whole.
“We are always pushing each other,” Connor Velleca (12) said. “Even in individual events, it is so important to build morale.”
In this way, the cross country team is centralized with a singular purpose, utilizing the individual goals. This mentality is essential to all sports as we head into a new season, facing the unknown and baring through the occasional burden of monotony.
This team is fulfilled in the accountability of each athlete, and the leadership exhibited in their ownership of the whole.
Overall, the team is off to a running start!
Girls Volleyball
After a season of growth last year with a record of 14-15, the girls volleyball team is back, with hopes of building upon the foundation they laid last year.
“I hope to see every player grow, both in their individual skills and as a part of a cohesive team,” Coach Kirkpatrick said on the expectations for the upcoming year.
Their goal for this year is that of journey; not nearly to compete in the GAC championships and state championships, but to continuously stretch and strive for excellence.
Coach Kirkpatrick additionally has student leaders on the horizon for this season. “Lynleigh Hillgartner, Gianna Gambaro, and Alanna Orton are great examples,” Kirkpatrick said of the athletes’ commitment. “They are true leaders by example, always the first one in the gym and the last to leave. Their work ethic is contagious… I also expect them to step up this season.”
Utilizing youth visibility, fostering a positive culture, and encouraging development, our volleyball team is brimming with potential and anticipation of a productive season!
Girls Tennis
After finishing 6-9 last season, the girls tennis team is ready to serve some serious game.
Coach Campos has a healthy mindset in regards to the hope for the upcoming year. “Expectations are the girls finish better than last year, and continue to grow and improve as the season progresses,” Campos said.
Beyond the achievement of the individual, however, the team is unified under a tangible vision, year by year. “Our goal is always to finish at the top of our conference,” Campos said, “{We are} aspiring to qualify in state individually and as a team.”
Campos additionally highlighted a few student leaders he looks forward to blossoming this season.
Among these include Sophia Gamm (12) and Olivia Washburn (11). The girls have the same private coach, and have grown together as doubles teammates, and have pushed themselves as individual players.
The team as a whole, however, finds mental strength in learning from their mistakes, and pursuing not beyond them, but through their errors. Love of the sport is not a zero-sum game.
Ultimately, the girls tennis team is swinging into the season with optimism and intentional momentum.
Football
After a successful last season, in which the team had pulled together and pushed through to a 7-4 record, our football team is ready to tackle the season with focus and grit. They return many varsity players from last year including top running back Jaylen Mack (12).
“Our goal is obviously always to go undefeated,” quarterback Will Quinney (11), said. “But the point is to always be getting better. To work as a team.”
Practicing throughout the early hours of the morning, the team is already proving their resilience, through weather, intent, and unity.
“You can’t be successful without the entire team being locked in,” Quinney said. “It’s just like anything.”
We are looking forward to supporting our football team this season in the stands, and throughout spirit weeks.
Softball
Last year, our varsity softball team had an up and down season finishing with a record of 10-14. Along the way, learned multiple lessons and grew as players while still having fun.
And they hope the 2-0 start to this season can build some momentum into the first half of the season. The Eagles defeated Windsor and Blair Oaks at an opening season tournament in Sullivan.
Get ready to support our teams this season, on or off the field!
