This season, the varsity girls soccer team welcomed four freshmen to its roster: Ashtyn Gunning, Vera Foster, Kaylee Breecker and Shiloh Hendrickse. Breecker has already contributed a goal to the team, while the others bring their sportsmanship, energy, and impact on the field. 

Breecker, who previously attended Lamar Middle School, scored her first varsity goal off a header assist from Gunning, during their game against Crockett on Friday, Jan. 1. Breecker said it was a bizarre feeling to see all her hard work pay off.

“It was a surreal feeling being able to celebrate my first goal for McCallum with a team I feel truly encouraged by,” Breecker said, “I had been so determined in previous matches to score a goal, and I was so grateful to have my hard work pay off.” 

Breecker feels thankful that she is already getting the experience to be on the varsity team as a young player. She has enjoyed getting to bond with the older players and said she has felt so supported and comfortable through her McCallum soccer experience so far. Breecker feels through the mentorship of head coach Jason Rich and the varsity captains, she has already learned a lot about herself.

“I already feel like this program has helped me improve so much,” Breecker said, “It’s a weird feeling of achieving a dream that I have aspired to accomplish for so long, and the team has been so welcoming and kind.” 

Gunning also attended Lamar. She says being the youngest has challenged her, and brought new relationships. Having a sister on the team, junior Sienna Gunning, has helped Ashtyn get a feel for the program and build onto previous relationships. Ashtyn said that she has really enjoyed her experience with the soccer program, and it gives her something to look forward to every day. 

“I love getting to form friendships with girls in other grades, as well as play against girls in grades above me” she said, “I like the challenge it gives me, and it allows me to have something to work harder for since I have to prove myself more being a freshman.”

Foster previously attended Kealing Middle School and plays outside back. Foster says she has felt more than welcomed to the program by her fellow teammates and captains, and has enjoyed getting to meet lots of new people in the soccer program.

“The team is so supportive and friendly, and if I ever have an issue with something, I feel so welcomed to talk to the captains about it. Foster said, “I honestly don’t feel like being a freshman affects any of the actual connections I have with the team; they are just like an extended family”

Foster thinks that the team is meshing really well thus far, and that they have a lot going well for them. Foster said that team meals have really helped build these relationships and bring the team chemistry to the next level on and off the field.

“Our passing is really solid right now, and we’re doing a great job with midfield, long balls, corners and crosses.” Foster said. “I really love when we have team dinners because it’s so fun to hangout with the team!”

The fourth and final freshman, Hendrickse, attended the Girls School of Austin for her middle school experience. Hendrickse said her experience so far has been nothing but the best. She feels so inspired by the upperclassmen on the team, and has felt as though he upperclassmen have taken her under their wings.

“I can truthfully say I feel inspired by everyone on this team, ” Hendrickse said, “This season I’m playing a new position in the midfield, and that transition couldn’t have been easier with people like Maya Tackett and Maya Garwood!”

Hendrickse said she feels grateful that she has the opportunity to learn from older players and Coach Rich, who make her a better player constantly. As the season progresses, she hopes to grow her confidence when attacking, and wants the team to keep working hard, hopefully beat Anderson and enjoy a long run in the 5A state playoffs.

“I think if we can sustain our great performance for the full 80 minutes, we could definitely be No. 1 in the district” Hendrickse said. “As a team, we would love to beat Anderson as I think we could beat them if we continue to uplift each other and find our chemistry.”