Schuylkill Haven High School Soccer Season Preview

As the Schuylkill Haven girls’ soccer team prepares for the upcoming season, Head Coach Scott Burcik is focused on developing new leaders and reinforcing the team’s strengths. With key players graduating, the team is looking for emerging talent to step up and fill those roles. Offseason Focus: Filling Key Positions The primary goal this offseason is to identify players who can step up and fill the spots left open by graduating seniors. Developing a strong team dynamic and improving individual skills will be critical for success in the upcoming season. Special Offseason Events: Camps and Summer League Schuylkill Haven places a strong emphasis on player development and community engagement through its offseason activities: Annual Kids Camp – Run by the high school players themselves, this camp fosters a connection between the team and younger fans while providing valuable coaching experience. Summer League – The team hosts its summer league featuring six teams from the surrounding area, providing competitive play opportunities. Perfect Touch Soccer Academy Training – A week-long training session with professional coaches aimed at refining technical and tactical skills. Notable Roster Changes While the team lost a few seniors, a mix of last year’s substitutes and a large group of incoming freshmen provides a strong foundation. The coaching staff is optimistic about their potential impact. Players to Watch Several key players are expected to make a significant impact this season: Audrey Hutchinson (Senior Leader) – A crucial player involved in both offensive and defensive play. Kylie Siket & Taylor Haag (Junior Forwards) – Both were leading scorers last year and will be major offensive threats. Mckenna Runkle, Bella Murphy, & Lilly McDonald (Returning Defenders) – This experienced defensive trio will be critical in maintaining stability at the back. Strength & Conditioning: Commitment to Fitness The team benefits from a structured summer workout program: School-Run Fitness Program – Trainers lead workouts Monday through Thursday from 8:00 to 9:30 AM, ensuring players stay in top physical condition. Coaching Strategy: Finding the Best Formation Each year, Coach Burcik analyzes the team’s roster to implement a formation that maximizes player strengths. Adjustments in positioning and tactics will be made to enhance team performance. Community Engagement The team remains engaged with its fanbase through multiple community-focused initiatives, including the kids’ camp and involvement in other school sports. Challenges Ahead One of the biggest challenges this season will be keeping players engaged during less competitive matchups. Using those games as preparation for tougher opponents will be a key focus. With a mix of experienced leaders and fresh talent, the Schuylkill Haven girls’ soccer team is gearing up for an exciting and competitive season in 2025.