At ten-four-two wins, varsity men’s soccer has a winning record for the first time in Woodgrove’s history. However, it is more than just scoring goals that has gotten them to this point, it is also the relationships built and the energy created off the field.
Senior Braden Hart, a captain of the team, has been playing soccer for fifteen years as a center back. “I’ve always enjoyed the brotherhood that is built around the sport,” stated Hart. This brotherhood is shown both on and off the field, which is part of every soccer team’s culture. Hart explained that the team bonds outside of practices and games through team dinner and staying in touch off the pitch.
With this being the best season of soccer Woodgrove has ever had, their close-knit community has been a significant factor to their outstanding season. “We are all very close together. I would say we are just a big familia,” commented Hart. Hart also revealed that a large factor of going from a losing to winning record is “bringing in more talent than they lost,” helping the team step up their game.
Junior Evan Willcox has spent the last season as the team’s manager. Through her role, she has been able to witness positive growth and change from both the coaches and the players. “When I first started managing, it was a little awkward because I didn’t know any of them except for one guy. Liam [Barrus], who was the one guy I did know, really helped in getting adjusted to being around the team. They’re all great guys and help each other out,” Willcox shared. While it was tough in the beginning for her, her experience being a manager for the team has proved to be extremely rewarding. Willcox expanded, “You can tell the guys have fun when they play, during practice, and during games.”
Sophomore Landon Magyar, who has played soccer for eleven years, plays left center back, continues on how the players on the team, specifically the captains, contribute to the culture and energy, saying, “The captains set the tone and they hold the whole team to a certain standard.” INFO HERE. Hart went into more detail on how they set this tone, sharing, “We all communicate more and lead more off and on the field.” Magyar’s favorite way to bond with his team is by going to McDonalds after games.
Also a large factor, new Head Coach Seán Cogolludo has been not only just a coach, but also a leader and role model. Cogolludo started coaching three seasons ago, and the program has only improved since then. “[Cogolludo] is very passionate, and cares a lot about the team and the boys,” Hart expressed. Cogolludo is an active part of the team, raising morale and helping the boys with every aspect of their sport.
Willcox discussed how this contribution from all around comes to play on game day, sharing, “My favorite memory was probably beating Loudoun County on senior night. It was a really tough game, and the stakes were really high. There were so many people in the stands there to cheer on the boys, which made the energy of the stadium amazing. We were all getting really into it, and the locker room after the win was incredible. You could tell how happy everyone was and how much the win meant to them.” The game was close, but Woodgrove players were overjoyed that they chose their hardest opponent on senior night and came out with a win.
From fans to coaches, players to managers, and practices to games, the soccer team’s turnaround has been nothing short of incredible; it has been proven on and off the field with excited team members and joyful energy all around.