Freshman Soccer Player Wins Her Spot On Girls Varsity Team

Sophia Rodriguez and Allie Neese, Staff Writers

A freshman soccer player is making her mark on the girls varsity soccer team.

Emma Guevara is the only freshman on the San Pasqual High School girls varsity soccer team of all upperclassmen. She was announced on the varsity team at San Pasqual’s Winter Jersey Night, November 8th.

“Everybody loves Emma. Honestly, I’m a little bit intimidated by her because she’s just so good. You can’t deny it,” said girls varsity soccer captain Emilee Ketring.

Being a freshman on the team can be a bit scary or stressful because you are not with the same grade or group of people. Most seniors who are around 18 years old whereas a freshman is only about 15, so there is a pretty significant social gap to overcome in order to bond.

“We honestly all love Emma; she’s such a hard worker,” said Fatima Valle, captain of the girls varsity soccer team. “We all love her and I think just the team is really accepting of everyone, especially since it’s a new squad.”

It’s pretty rare for a freshman to make a varsity team but, with dedication, Guevara knew she could do it. Before the season, Guevara practiced with her dad and prepared for what she knew was to come.

“They wanted to see us individually [during tryouts], so they had us do some running, 1v1 and 2v2, and scrimmages… then some more running and passing,” Guevara said.

At the varsity level, coaches are looking for someone they can trust to make the right decisions in the game, do all the right things in practice and off the field as well. Guevara has definitely gained their trust because in total she has played 160 minutes between 4 games.

“I’ve been playing since I was six and I was also in Force Soccer Club,” Guevara said.

Just as Guevara is looking forward to her first year on the girls varsity soccer team, the team is looking forward to having her this season.

Freshman Emma Guevara has proven to coaches and teammates that she can play at the varsity level.