The Tyrone/Bellwood girl’s soccer team is in the midst of a youth movement this season.
While the team only lost four starters from the 2022 team due to graduation, one was Tyrone’s all-time leading scorer, Chloe LaRosa, and another was the team’s four-year starting goalkeeper, Rayann Walls.
This year’s squad features nine freshmen and five sophomores, along with two juniors, and six seniors.
With underclassmen outnumbering the upperclassmen almost two to one, the three senior captains, Rebecca Lewis, Lainey Quick, and Maddy Whitby, along with junior Briley Campbell, have a big role in leading the team this season.
Head Coach Mike Sparacino has allowed his players to choose the team captains since he became head coach.
“The fact that [they] were chosen by their peers speaks to the influence and respect they have earned,” Sparacino said. “They are natural leaders and wonderful young ladies. They make us proud each time they take the field.”
One of the responsibilities of the captains is to help the underclassmen adjust to the rigorous varsity soccer schedule with 18 games, sometimes two or three a week.
“To be honest the workload can be overwhelming at times. With school, work, and soccer it can be very stressful, but the commitment I have to the sport allows me to juggle all the stressful components,” Whitby said.
All three seniors are excited to be the captains this year, along with junior captain Briley Campbell from Bellwood. They all have their own goals but several are shared by all the captains.
“Our goals for this season are to have a winning record and to make a run at districts. Winning the district title would mean a lot to the program,” Quick said.
Quick is the starting attacking mid. Usually, she starts as left attacking mid alongside Briley Campbell.
“Lainey and Olivia have bonded quickly and they have learned where each other is or will be. They work very well together,” said Sparacino.
Lewis and Whitby both play on the defensive line. Lewis is the sweeper and makes a tremendous impact on the team’s play. Whitby is the left outside back and a trustworthy player.
“Becca and Maddy have done an excellent job not only leading by example but also communicating to our younger defenders. They help to organize the back line and let the players know where they should be or who they should be marking,” Sparacino said.
Tyrone’s Kenzie Soellner, Mack Gunsallus, and Bellwood’s Annie Bardell make up the rest of this year’s seniors. They may not be captains but they all work very hard to contribute and help out the team. Soellner and Gunsallus both help the defensive line keep opposing attackers from scoring. Bardell contributes to the offensive side of the team as a striker. They have dedicated many of their years to Tyrone soccer as all three have played since they were little.
By joining the Laurel Highlands, Tyrone’s schedule has expanded this season. While the schedule is tough, having more games gives them more opportunities to get ready for playoffs.
The team’s record hasn’t yet reflected it, but they are playing well enough to win, with most of their losses being by one goal, one in overtime.
The team is hoping to improve their record in the coming weeks, and hopefully make the playoffs again this season.
“I hope this season is successful, that we have fun and play every game like it’s our last,” Lewis said. “I’m hoping to make it to playoffs, especially since it’s my last year.”
