The HPHS Girls Varsity Soccer team is more than just a group of athletes competing on the pitch – it’s a tight-knit community built on trust and support. Despite having more freshmen (six) than seniors (four), the team plays with a sense of unity that goes beyond experience or grade level.
Head coach of the varsity squad, Kate Straka, says she wants to leave a lasting impression on these girls and ensure they always put the team first. She hopes this mindset becomes part of her legacy after their time in the program.
“I want them to see me as a human, a mom, and a part of a community,” Coach Straka said. “I hope they can use what I teach them, take it, and make a difference in the community.”
Coach Straka knows that her impact on the athletes is about more than wins and losses; her goal is to set the girls up to excel when they are given opportunities after high school.
She also emphasizes that the lessons learned on the field extend far past the pitch. According to the New Women’s Sports Foundation, 71% of women in leadership roles at companies played a team sport in high school. Coach Straka recognizes this connection and enjoys seeing where her former athletes are today, as well as what her current players can achieve.
The sense of community in the soccer program goes well beyond the varsity level. From the moment you step into the program, it’s clear how special it is. For the JV team, one of the highlights of the season is the team breakfast that Coach Chris Schriner hosts on the Friday before spring break. Meanwhile, the freshman squad enjoys when their coaches join in during practice, reinforcing that intensity and commitment remain the same at every level.
One of the traditions that brings the varsity team together is something called “squad days.” At the start of the season, the players choose a theme, with this year’s theme based on the movie Inside Out. Then, on lighter practice days during a busy game schedule, they split into their teams (Fear, Anger, Sadness, and Disgust) and compete. This tradition keeps practices fun while building team chemistry and improving their skills so that they can excel during games.
On the field, the team relies on one another in high-pressure moments. Having a dependable goalkeeper makes a significant difference, and sophomore Liv Kashy has been exactly that. In the last 6 games, she has only allowed 3 goals in total.
“Liv has been a lifesaver for us in goal,” Senior captain Gabby Perlen said. “And she is an even better teammate than a goalie. She always makes me laugh.”
For the seniors, this season is their final chapter. With there only being four seniors on the varsity roster, this year carries even more meaning. They have spent their high school careers working toward the opportunity to lead the Giants as captains, closing out their soccer journeys together. While they are leaving their mark on the HPHS Girls Soccer Program, what matters most is that they are laughing, having fun, and making life-long memories. This group is truly special, and their legacy won’t just be measured in wins but in the bond they leave behind.