With the addition of four PGs and the continuing leadership of Co-Captains Katharine Lee-Kramer ’07 and Roxanne Knapp ’07, the girls’ soccer team holds the potential for a phenomenal season. Two-year varsity player and forward Dana Feeny ’08 stated, “[Lee-Kramer ’07 and Knapp ‘07] make the best leaders I could have chosen.” The captains complete each other, as Feeny continued, “Katherine really controls the field as a starting defender, always making the right passes and moving us into the offensive end. Roxy controls the team off the field, keeping everyone included, informed, and excited about the season.” Prior to pre-season, the girls had an opportunity to play with each other at a five-day team prep camp that met over the summer. There, the girls saw a unity and crispness in play execution that lacked in last year’s team. Of the nine games played at prep camp, the PA girls’ lost only one. Graduating almost half of last year’s team, ample space exists to welcome new players. Along with many talented JV players who may step up this year, the four PGs will look to assume starting positions. Since both goalies graduated last year, Goalie Emily Weedon ’06 will be a crucial asset to the team. Meghan Hartnett ’06, an aggressive forward with shooting precision, comes from Governor-Drummer Academy. Katy Holihan ’06, from Chicago, plays defense, and Jane Peters ’06 from Westborough, MA covers the midfield. The incoming talents will only enhance the play of the returning stars. Lee-Kramer returns for her fourth year on the varsity. Her versatility helps the team transfer flawlessly from defensive to offensive play. The confidence of Kennedy distinguishes her from the rest of the group. Large portions of her summer were dedicated to improving her technical skills. This summer alone Kennedy ran four times a week, participated on a summer district soccer team with Knapp, and traveled to Brown with Lee-Kramer for a soccer camp. The experience of the team will be advantageous against the big competitors Loomis and Brooks. Returning Senior players Lee-Kramer, Kennedy, and Hollis have all been on varsity since freshman year. Knapp made the team lower year, as did Sarah Gardner ’07 in her Upper year. Already some season goals have been established: trust of self and teammate head the list. The hesitation in the execution of the plays, an obstacle that has plagued the team in prior years, may have resulted from this lack of confidence among teammates. Knapp and Kennedy agree that more creative plays and execution strategies will lead to more scoring. If the team can accomplish these goals, it will become almost invincible, as it already demonstrates good ball control, acute footwork, and speed. Naturally, the players have personal goals as well, as Gardner ‘07 says, “I’d like to make it to New Englands my senior year.” The Co-Captains can barely wait to get the season started. Lee-Kramer commented, “When I got back from prep camp my dad asked me how the team looked and all I said was, ‘pretty freakin’ sweet.’”
