WOODBURY — Every year, a select few Nonnewaug freshmen have what it takes to play varsity soccer — and this year is no different. 

Whether it’s talent or determination, these freshmen stick out to their coaches. New girls soccer coach Adam Brutting believes that some freshmen understand what it takes to fill a varsity role early on.

“I feel as if some freshmen are really understanding that it takes a lot of hard work, it takes a lot of effort, and it takes a lot of focus to make sure that you are on top of who you are in practice so you can prepare for games,” Brutting said.

One of these standout rookies is Rosie Makarewicz. Coming from Watertown Middle School, she has made an impact on the varsity girls soccer team by starting at right midfield.

“Some parts of the game can be stressful, especially since the girls are a lot older and bigger than me,” Makarewicz said. “But I just take a deep breath and calm myself down. Then I do the next best thing, as Brutting would say.”

Another ninth-grader who stands out is Vinny Rose. Starting varsity at striker, and a key asset to the Nonnewaug boys soccer team, he has exceeded the limits out on the playing field. 

“I just try to keep my head in the game, and not worry about what anyone else is saying,” said Rose, who scored two hat tricks within his first month. 

Bryce Gilbert, also a freshman at Nonnewaug, is first substitute for defense on varsity. She has found a way to find peace in playing soccer by coping with the stress and nerves from the varsity environment.

“Once I get on the soccer field, a lot of my nerves just go away,” Gilbert said. “When we’re just doing drills and practices I forget how much I actually love soccer, but on the field I remember why I started playing.” 

These skilled freshmen have made many adjustments to the way they play soccer in high school, but all of them agree that older teammates have made the transition easier.

“Everyone did a very good job welcoming all of the freshmen,” Rose said. “During captain’s practices they helped me get to know everybody a little better.” 

Toby Denman, the boys soccer coach, believes that the new standards of play for high school soccer can be a little challenging at first for newcomers—some get it, and some don’t.

“There are some people who have come in and shown that they are ready to contribute,” Denman said. “Then there are some that still need to adjust to the bigger, stronger, faster speed of play.”