As nightfall arrives quicker and the temperature drops, the seasons of fall sports reach their end and make way for the start of winter sports. The basketball season has just began and wrestling is in full swing, but preparation for the soccer year is just opening as the program holds tryouts in the morning for boys and after school for girls, all through this week.

The soccer program keeps its rosters tight with around 25 players on each of its four teams, causing increased competition for the limited spots. The coaches for each team are looking for dynamic players who will lead them to a great season.

“The way we are running tryouts this week is similar to how we run our practices, with different objectives and topics each day,” boys head coach Alex Duran said. “Whether it’s running set pieces or practicing technical work, all of it shows us a player’s skill and how they can apply what we are teaching them. We are really excited for this season as both teams are looking very strong even though both squads are relatively young.”

In terms of the girls soccer program, the players will be evaluating the coaches as much as the coaches evaluate them as the program saw a head coaching change with the arrival of new head coach John Baker.

“Throughout the course of this semester, our girls have been excited to work with a new coach,” girl’s assistant coach Courtney Todd said. “They really value Coach Baker’s enthusiasm and his desire for the girls to get as many touches on the ball as possible. We played a lot of small sided games and possession, which has really encouraged new players as well as those who have been with the program for a long time.”

While tryouts and practices start this month for the soccer program, players still have to wait until after winter break to compete against other schools. Early January sees scrimmages and friendly tournaments for the program until district play begins near the end of the month.