August 28, 2023 – Story by Ava DiCecca, photos by Joshua Ross
After having an incredibly strong regular season last year and building a solid foundation for a dominating team, the Harborwomen are now preparing to take that success far into playoffs and onto a championship. Last season they came up short in the postseason with a close loss, and this year, it is clear they do not intend to let history repeat. They have all the necessary components that make for an extremely high level team including a positive environment, talented and hard working players, and a competitive mindset. However, the key factor that will separate them from every other team this season is their undeniable and seamless chemistry.
Senior captain Lily Samoska and Coach Susan Petrie agreed that the players’ natural connection on the field is something that will be a major help to them this season. As they are putting their efforts now into learning and perfecting a new formation that they think will be extremely effective, their strong bonds on and off the field have made that a much smoother process. Samoska stated “since we are really comfortable with each other as a team and we are close knit, we are really good with communication.” She commented that everything stems from their team chemistry and effective communication including an impenetrable defense and successfully executed offensive plays. Coach Petrie added that “things have just been clicking, maybe a little quicker than sometimes they do in the preseason”
Another aspect of this team, and seemingly the program as a whole, is the positive attitude and fun overall environment that Samoska stated was “something that was really special compared to the past couple of years…there’s a lot of positivity this year in the program.” Both her and her coach spoke about this past weeks tryouts in particular and applauded everyone for their encouragement of others especially during game play or the most difficult parts like their conditioning. Coach Petrie stated, “They’ve really been having so much fun. We have been working them hard in conditioning and they’ve been smiling the whole time.” This supportive and optimistic environment seems to be one that will allow every player to thrive and feel comfortable on the team.
Coach Petrie spoke as well to some of these players that we should especially be on the lookout for this season, as they have many returning starters to help propel the team and also keep them composed with their invaluable in game experience. She immediately commented “Definitely my captains. They have great leadership and they all have experience at different positions on the field which is really helpful with integrating the new players.” The captains are senior Stella Brazis (forward), junior Siena Brackett (midfielder), and Samoska and senior Anna Kiernan who will be holding up the defensive end. She also mentioned two sophomore midfielders Ryan Hallisey and Sammy Price who she stated “both have great vision and indurance.” Hallisey is a returning all star while Price is new to the varsity lineup this year, but both have been making quite an impact on the team.
Despite giving a shoutout to some impressive players, Petrie and Samoska agreed that this season will be entirely a team effort. While Coach Petrie simply said “there’s no one player that stands out. We have different players with different strengths,” Samoska went as far as to say “we can trust everyone on the field.” This is a well rounded team where everyone helps to carry the weight which will not only make them harder to stop, but continue to foster this supportive environment.
Overall, it seems that this team has all the tools in their belt they need to have a fun and successful season and they have definitely begun on the right path. They already appear to be stronger than last season in many ways and with their great attitudes and hard work, their desired result of a long run in the postseason is not looking like a far off goal but they will continue the season by taking it one game at a time.
Preseason Photos
