Although the season has not started, the anticipation soccer players feel for the beginning of their sport intensifies as they imagine soaring past personal limits, learning new skills and a rush of adrenaline as they score the winning goal.

?One thing I love about soccer is that it gets very physical,? Rebekah Wells, ?11, said. ?You can knock people over and tackle them without getting in trouble for it. I also enjoy the Garces tournament because we get to hang out as a team and get to know each other better.?

For those who fear the potential brutality of soccer, attending the games can still provide an opportunity for students to have fun and support their school with each another.

?I?m not in soccer because I?m not very good at it and I?m more into music than sports,? Tyler Duerr, ?10, said. ?I haven?t had a lot of time to go to many games in the past. But since I?m in leadership this year, I will go to more games to show school spirit and support the team.?

Although the level of play may seem intense, junior Rachel Guthrie understands the benefits of soccer training.

?My freshman year we had to run two miles in less than 20 minutes for almost every practice,? Guthrie said. ?After that we would practice and condition at the end. Our coaches pushed us hard and we all got through the suffering as a team.?

Despite losing seasons and low participation, boys’ soccer coach Matt Markarian continues to lead the students as they improve in his favorite sport.

?I coach soccer because I enjoy watching young people get better at something they are passionate about,? Markarian said. ?I grew up playing soccer. I like it because it?s one of the few sports where you have to be physically fit and smart.?

In addition to keeping students in shape, soccer teaches players the benefits of teamwork and the power the mind wields on athletic performance. Students can learn that if team members work together and set their minds on one goal, they can achieve more then ever expected.

The first game for girls? soccer will be on Dec. 2 at Yosemite high school. The boys’ first game will be at Sierra Mountain Matchup, Dec. 5.

Click here to view the current soccer season schedule.