WOODBURY — Nonnewaug High School’s renowned fall sports teams are eager to compete in state competitions. With last year’s success throughout the Berkshire League teams, student athletes are ready to face off against new opposition.
“It is always great to be exposed to new competition,” said sophomore girls soccer player Rosie Makarewicz. “To step away from what you’re used to always keeps you ready for the unthinkable.”
For any athlete, the constant strive for perfection never fails to seize the moment, and for many, the goal to win states is inevitable.
“It would be such a big accomplishment for not only the team but for the school,” said junior volleyball player Riley Rich. “Winning states is just something that not everyone can do, so given the chance to compete is really special.”
Junior boys soccer player Max Nichols believes that last year’s results will help motivate others for a new outcome this year.
“All of the returning players are motivated from last year’s loss in the tournament,” Nichols said. “This year we are excited about the opportunity to accomplish a rare feat and push our limits as a team.”
Every year, teams lose key leadership positions and adjust annually to a new roster.
“The team this year was very open to new people and ideas,” Rich said. “It took us a while to get the chemistry of the team back since we lost some of our starters, but as we’re approaching the post-season we are motivated and ready.”
With new players come new opportunities, the growth and expansion of all teams gives hope to fellow athletes.
“We have grown so much as a team and individually as players of the game,” Makarewicz said. “If given the opportunity this year [to play in the semi-finals], it’s our goal to play at a high intensity and prove that we can compete at that level.”
To play at such an elite level, it comes from the roots of connections.
“We need to rely on our chemistry to propel us to a win,” Nichols said. “The freshmen have really benefited the team this year by providing morale and support as well as contributions on the field.”
In the heat of the tournament and being exposed to high levels of play, some athletes start to look beyond high school competitions.
“Competing in states gives athletes a good opportunity to play against other teams that are in a different conference,” field hockey player Jadyn Heron said. “It helps players who want to play at the collegiate level because it gives them some experience in harder competition.”
Nonnewaug fall sports teams start all state games next week and have high expectations towards their performance.
