On December 19, the junior high girls’ soccer team played against Bullard Talent to compete for first place in their division. Leading up to this point, the team was excited to finally play for a trophy.

Both teams being undefeated throughout the season, this was a game that would decide who would remain victorious. Due to their even record, the game proved to be a tough match. The Eagles fell short of winning but were rewarded with achieving second place, 3-0.

Seventh grader Carly Whipple expresses her feelings toward being an athlete, playing in the sport she loves. With her friends also on the team, Whipple enjoys the time spent with her team.

“I can’t really put it into words about the opportunity of going to championships, but it was wickedly awesome,” Whipple said. “I love this sport and I enjoy playing with my friends and just having fun on and off the field.”

With soccer being an active sport, the product of becoming enervated is very likely. For Whipple, she puts in the effort needed for this particular sport so that she is more prepared for playing in next year’s season.

“Soccer is an intense sport, so sometimes it can become difficult to keep up with,” Whipple said. “In a way, you kind of get punished; you have to run back and forth on the field while playing.”

According to sports records, the last time the FC junior high soccer team made it to championships was eight years ago. Making it to the championships was a huge accomplishment for the players, especially for eighth grader Madison Devereaux.

“I was so excited that my team was able to go to the championships,” Madison said. “I am planning on playing with the girls high school team next year. I can’t wait because I think it will be so fun to play with the older girls.”

Although the team did not snatch first place, Madison was content with taking second. Looking back at the season, she was grateful for the progress that they made as a team.

“I am very satisfied with second,” Madison said. “My team did so well and even though we didn’t get first we were still able to go to championships and get second. We did an outstanding job. I felt honored to play and I was really happy that we made it that far.”

Michelle Devereaux, parent of soccer players Madison and Makenzie, ’15, was excited for her both her daughters and the team making to championships. Michelle was thrilled that the team was able to go undefeated throughout the season.

“I think its the most exciting thing for them to have gone to championships because typically we don’t get this far,” Michelle said. “They were totally pumped, but also nervous. It’s bittersweet to go to the championships and get second place, but it was an awesome season.”

With the teams assortment of athletes from both seventh and eighth graders, the diverse personalities and skills were placed together to create the team and their goals that they set for themselves to complete.

“I’ve seen this team play with heart,” Michelle said. “Sometimes because their skill level is so varied the team plays with so much enthusiasm; they don’t give up. I keep seeing their passion, their heart and their teamwork improving.”

Having previously coached soccer the year before, David Binum received the opening spot to coach the girls team this year. With Binums daughter, Jenna, also playing the sport, it made the decision to coach the girls team a little easier.

“I coached the junior high boys soccer team last year and this year I received the chance to coach the girls team,” Binum said. “I was very excited for the opportunity to coach these girls this season.”

Watching the girls progress throughout the season, Binum felt honored that they were able to finish off the season with playing in the championships and getting second place. With the satisfying season coming to an end, Binum was proud of the way the girls had completed the season.

“This was a great year for the girls; they have worked hard and deserved every bit of it,” Binum said. “I think that they really improved throughout the season, they put in the effort and it showed: they made it to the championships. It’s not too often that we get to do this, so this was a big deal for the girls.”

For more sports, read the Jan. 25 article, Boys’ soccer sport shorts: Caruthers.