LAKE HUNTINGTON –– Soccer is a game of precision and execution and that takes not just practice sessions, but live game experience. Be that as it may, some players come out for soccer late in their high school careers, even as late as their senior year. Given the fact that the preseason is extremely short, that means the major part of their learning is done in games, which is not exactly ideal from a team’s efficiency standpoint. So, when a team can deploy a nucleus of experienced veterans, it becomes a matter of preparation for the season, not learning the game from scratch. 

This year’s Sullivan West girls soccer team has two veteran coaches.  Both head coach Megan Brockner and assistant coach Samantha Scott were outstanding players who played four years on varsity. Brockner went to Sullivan West where her team made sectionals. She graduated in 2016 and went on to play at SUNY Canton. Scott ended her playing days after graduating from Livingston Manor in 2013. With the retirement of SW girls coach Anthony Durkin, both now bring their experience to bear. 

Scott served as Durkin’s assistant and came into this season already familiar with the returnees.  The squad that has eight senior veterans in Felicity Baurnfeind, Anna Bernas, Kaylee DiBiase, Brianna Haas, Serena Hartling, Elanie Herbert, Lucia Kennedy and Paige Muzuruk. Senior Georgeanne Cardona is new to soccer but a veteran of basketball and softball. 

The team brings back the great chemistry it had in Coach Durkin’s final year. According to Brockner, “We are excited for the start of the 2022 varsity girls soccer season. The returning players are ready to bring their skills and hard work to facilitate team success. Our hopes for this season are to build a foundation on and off the field where our athletes show confidence, teamwork and agility to follow a growth mindset.”

The Lady Bulldogs traveled to scrimmage Millbrook on September 1, the team that ousted them in the Section Nine semifinals a year ago. On September 8 and 10, the team will vie in the annual Downsville Tournament. Rounding out the Lady Bulldogs squad are Karlee Diehl, Kaydence Everitt, Sophie Flynn, Rahmat Gambari, Mya Heinle, Abby Parucki, who will likely be the team keeper, Nicole and Elizabeth Reeves, Keely Schock, and Viola Shami.