Following the first unofficial practice for the MSMS Soccer team, coach Dylan Mims is optimistic about the boys’ season.

“It feels good to be back out on the training ground with the guys. Just starting back it’s hard to tell how the team is going to be, I know we have a good group of seniors coming back that will help bring experience and leadership.

“Coming off a heartbreaking 7-6 record last season, I’m optimistic at how the season will end up, for now, I can say the boys bring excellent energy to the pitch every day. That in itself is the first step to becoming great! Go Waves!” said coach Mims.

Weeks have gone by with students taking to the field to take part in an MSMS pastime. But as the soccer season draws ever closer, so does the time for selecting the students who will make up the  school’s teams. During the last two weeks, both the boys’ and girls’ soccer teams have held practices, sifting through potential players.

New regulations this year prohibit tryouts to be held the same semester as the season. Under this rule, it is currently impossible for MSMS to hold tryouts since the junior members will not even attend the school until the semester with the start of the season. Technically no tryouts were held but the first unofficial practices for the teams are under way.

Madeline Mixon, captain for the girls squad held practice on Sept. 3 under coach Chuck Yarborough.

“There’s a lot of speed on this year’s team! Many of the girls have previous soccer experience,” said Mixon.  “I’m beyond excited for the upcoming season! The potential I see in these girls is very encouraging. While individuals are improving quickly, we still have a lot of progress to make as a team,” she said.

Although individual skill is important, the team plans to work on handling as well as set pieces. Kobe Van Someren, captain of the Boys’ soccer team agrees. “The training for this year’s will focus on team chemistry and on conditioning,” Van Someren said.

He oversaw the practice on Sep. 9 along with Coach Mims. “I think the practice was productive and it was a good start toward our goal. We’ll make it to the play off this year. Last year, we were one game away from the playoffs but our new junior members make up for the talent we lost with our graduating seniors. Still, we have a lot of work to do,” Van Someren said.

Mixon echoed this sentiment, “We’ll make playoffs for sure.”

The first game is on November 7.