As the spring season approaches, the Village Christian School lacrosse team is gearing up for another exciting and challenging campaign. With high hopes and determination, the team is ready to take on the competition and build upon their successes from last season. We had the opportunity to sit down with Coach Nik Soforenko to get a preview of the upcoming season and learn more about the team.
One of the biggest strengths of the team this year is the return of several key players from last season. According to Coach Soforenko, the top returning players include Gavin McCollum, Zack Burks, and Gavin Everett. These players have proven themselves to be valuable assets to the team, not only through their individual skills but also through their ability to work together as a cohesive unit. Their chemistry on the field is a key factor in the team's success.
In addition to the returning players, Coach Soforenko also expressed excitement about freshman Griffin Cherella. Despite being a newcomer to the team, Cherella has already made an impact with his leadership skills and work ethic. He is currently battling for a role as team captain, which speaks to the qualities that Coach Soforenko looks for in potential leaders.
When it comes to team chemistry and camaraderie, Coach Soforenko emphasizes the importance of leadership, both on and off the field. He looks for players who not only excel in lacrosse but also have strong academic records and are able to work well with the coaching staff. The team's success in the classroom is a reflection of their success on the field, as it translates to discipline and determination.
Motivating the players to push themselves to their full potential is another important aspect for Coach Soforenko. He incorporates team devotions, retreats, and group activities to not only strengthen the bond between players but also to inspire them to work hard both individually and as a team.
However, preparing for this season has not been without its challenges. Coach Soforenko has been pushing the players to improve each day and reach their full potential. He challenges them with tasks to not only improve their skills but also to become better individuals and team players. But with hard work and dedication, the team is ready to take on any challenge that comes their way.
The team's schedule for this season includes tough opponents such as Notre Dame, Crespi, Canyon, Oak Park, and Thunderridge. However, according to Coach Soforenko, the team is not intimidated and is looking forward to the competition. They are also excited to support their fellow athletes in other sports, such as football and soccer, where they have six starters in the CIF playoffs.
When it comes to coaching style, Coach Soforenko admits that he has become more challenging this season. He believes in continuously raising the level of competition each year to help the team reach their full potential. As the talent level rises, the intensity and challenge of every practice also increase, allowing the team to advance their lacrosse IQ and skills.
Training and conditioning have also been a major focus for the team this year. Coach Soforenko has implemented a more rigorous program to ensure that the players are able to play at a high level for the entire 48 minutes of a game. In the past, the team struggled with maintaining their performance towards the end of the game, but this year they are determined to stay strong until the very end.
The team's strengths lie in their unity and brotherhood. Coach Soforenko's philosophy centers around the idea that the team's strength is in their ability to work together and overcome any weaknesses. With hard work, passion, and desire, the team can achieve anything they set their minds to.
In terms of weaknesses, Coach Soforenko mentioned that the team has struggled with conditioning in the past. However, they have addressed this issue and are now better prepared to play a full 48 minutes at a high level. This improvement will undoubtedly help the team in close games and give them an advantage over their opponents.
At its core, the Village Christian School lacrosse team is a family. Coach Soforenko and his coaching staff make sure to provide support and assistance to their players, both on and off the field. They understand that lacrosse is just a part of these players' lives and strive to make sure it is not a distraction. Their love and concern for the players create a strong sense of unity and brotherhood within the team, which ultimately translates to success on the field.
As the team continues to build momentum and work towards their goal of winning the CIF Championship, it is clear that they have all the necessary pieces to succeed. With a strong bond of brotherhood, a rigorous training program, and a dedicated coaching staff, the Village Christian School lacrosse team is ready to take on any challenge that comes their way and make their mark in the upcoming season.
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