Staples High School – 2025 Girls Soccer Offseason Report
Offseason Focus
At Staples High School, the offseason strategy balances individual development through club teams with targeted school-led conditioning. Most players spend spring with top-tier clubs like CFC and New York Soccer Club, returning to Staples in the summer for bi-weekly training focused on injury prevention, fitness, and technical work.
Another key offseason goal is building team culture—especially integrating incoming freshmen. “Our summer league gives new players a soft landing,” said Coach Barry Beattie. “Captains ensure equal play time, which helps freshmen feel welcomed and confident.”
Special Offseason Events
The team continues its long-standing partnership with The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, which hosts children with terminal illnesses.
Staples soccer players participate in “Push Against Cancer,” a fundraising event where they perform push-ups and collect donations. Over the last four years, the team has raised over $90,000. “It’s an incredible tradition. It teaches empathy and purpose,” Beattie shared.
On the soccer front, athletes train with outside coaches throughout the summer, giving them exposure to different styles and voices before rejoining the Staples staff in August.
Notable Additions & Departures
The program bids farewell to 12 seniors, including standout Annabel Edwards, who is headed to the University of Chicago to continue her soccer journey. Her leadership and presence will be missed on and off the field.
Players to Watch
Natalie Chudowsky: A major talent, she’s currently with the U.S. U17 Youth National Team for tournament qualifiers—an exciting time for both Natalie and the program.
Addie Talbott: A rare three-sport varsity athlete (soccer, basketball, lacrosse) as a freshman. She earned All-Conference First Team honors in her debut season.
Freshman Standouts:
Alexa Van Aken, Emily Shiel, and Talbott just won the ECNL-RL New England League Cup, earning a spot at regionals in June. Their offseason work ethic, recovery routines, and performance stand out.
Weight Lifting & Fitness
The team lifts once a week during the season, focusing alternately on recovery, injury prevention, or explosive movement, depending on the team’s needs and schedule. Coach Beattie emphasizes maintaining fitness while managing player health intelligently.
Nutrition
Staples takes nutrition seriously. Each preseason, a certified nutritionist educates players on how to fuel up using the school cafeteria menu—addressing practice days, game prep, and recovery meals. “Education is key for high-performing athletes,” said Beattie.
Coaching Perspective
With a wave of seniors graduating, Beattie and his staff will evaluate the full roster in preseason before finalizing strategy and formation. “We don’t force a system,” he said. “We adapt to fit the players. It’s about helping them get the most out of their high school experience.”
Fan Engagement & Community Impact
In addition to fundraising and social media engagement, the girls actively work with local youth soccer programs during the season. It’s a great way to build community ties and inspire future Wreckers to join the program.
Biggest Challenges Ahead
Staples faces the perennial challenge of staying at the top in one of the state’s most competitive soccer environments. “There are great teams in Connecticut,” Beattie acknowledged. “We take pride in our town, our school, and we work hard to remain among the elite programs year after year.”
 as a freshman. She earned All-Conference First Team honors in her debut season.
Freshman Standouts:
Alexa Van Aken, Emily Shiel, and Talbott just won the ECNL-RL New England League Cup, earning a spot at regionals in June. Their offseason work ethic, recovery routines, and performance stand out.
Weight Lifting & Fitness
The team lifts once a week during the season, focusing alternately on recovery, injury prevention, or explosive movement, depending on the team’s needs and schedule. Coach Beattie emphasizes maintaining fitness while managing player health intelligently.
Nutrition
Staples takes nutrition seriously. Each preseason, a certified nutritionist educates players on how to fuel up using the school cafeteria menu—addressing practice days, game prep, and recovery meals. “Education is key for high-performing athletes,” said Beattie.
Coaching Perspective
With a wave of seniors graduating, Beattie and his staff will evaluate the full roster in preseason before finalizing strategy and formation. “We don’t force a system,” he said. “We adapt to fit the players. It’s about helping them get the most out of their high school experience.”
Fan Engagement & Community Impact
In addition to fundraising and social media engagement, the girls actively work with local youth soccer programs during the season. It’s a great way to build community ties and inspire future Wreckers to join the program.
Biggest Challenges Ahead
Staples faces the perennial challenge of staying at the top in one of the state’s most competitive soccer environments. “There are great teams in Connecticut,” Beattie acknowledged. “We take pride in our town, our school, and we work hard to remain among the elite programs year after year.”)
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