The boys soccer team is one of many sports teams at TJ that has demonstrated the true meaning of being a Spartan. photo by Amaris Medina
Thomas Jefferson’s boys’ soccer team had an excellent season with multiple amazing highlights.
Through their hard work and dedication, the Thomas Jefferson boys’ soccer team played an excellent season. Despite being faced with highs and lows, the team still showed up and showed out, giving each game their best effort. The boys’ soccer team is one of the many sports at TJ that illuminates the true Spartan spirit.
Before the fall sports season started, the boys’ soccer team were kicking their practices into high gear. Many boys on the team in previous years showed up for preseason practices and demonstrated the abilities and skills they could bring to the team. Once the fall sports season officially started, all the boys began intense training with the main goal in mind of making it to the playoffs. With this shared aspiration and the amount of determination each player exemplified, new and strong friendships were formed. “This year, especially outside of soccer, we have a lot of amazing friendships,” stated senior Ili Dadani, “Even when things get rough or negative, we are there for each other.”
When faced with obstacles, the boys did not back down or show any sign of defeat. Instead, they practiced harder and put in more effort to improve for the next game. However, when the team felt like they were having a rough game and lacked motivation, the captains and coaches took it upon themselves to boost their spirits and morale. “A lot of it is the mentality that our coaches and captains bring to the team,” stated captain and senior Dylan Hagerty. After just a few inspiring words, the team would feel encouraged. As the boys would go back out onto the field, they proved that it takes a lot more to break the spirit of a TJ Spartan.
Unfortunately, the soccer team did not make the playoffs. However, this does not mean that the team did not have astonishing highlights throughout their season. During one of their games, goalie and senior Mark Dolson performed an assist from halfway across the field in the goalie box. Another remarkable highlight was the team’s spectacular victory against Lutheran High School, with TJ boys winning 2-1. This was one of the most crucial victories for the team, as Lutheran was a school ranked much higher than TJ in soccer. Finally, one highlight that stuck out among the rest was when one of the players, Hagerty, broke two school records. Hagerty now holds the title of single season goal record with 17 goals, and the all time goal record for TJ with 65. This is a large feat that should be celebrated.
Even though the soccer team was not able to make it to the playoffs, they are able to look back at all those highlights and cherish the memories they made with teammates and friends. With an emotional goodbye from seniors at the end of the season, the current juniors are now getting motivated to bring the team one step closer to their goal during their senior year. Through demonstration of a strong work ethic, the boys soccer team is going to have many more unforgettable moments on the field.
