The girls soccer team starts their first-ever season in Pace history conjoined with Emma Lazarus High School. This inaugural team was organized by physical education teacher Ms. Medina, who said the idea came together after conversations with other staff members who supported the program.
“I’ve always had the support of Mr. Lee,” Ms. Medina said. “He’s the first one I speak to about any type of sports, and vice versa.” After discussing the idea with other staff members, including a physical education teacher from Emma Lazarus High School, Ms. Gilberts, the girls soccer team launched off and is now part of the charter school soccer league.
There were roughly 30 girls in the interest meeting and consistently 20-25 girls practicing. They started weight training two weeks before break. Ms. Medina and assisting coach Ms. Gilberts currently have intentions of practicing outside with the girls when the weather is nicer.
They don’t have a schedule yet, but the season will officially start at the end of March, and expect to have many games in McCarren Park.
Conjoining two different schools, the team is facing a minor issue: the chemistry between girls. Having a team made up of students who are new to this country and still learning English with different cultures. There are minor language barriers, but this gives an opportunity to build friendships and create more community.
Dayanara Cruz-Hernandez, a Pace student part of the girls’ soccer team, is excited to have an all-girls soccer team. “I’ve always liked to play. It’s just a hobby.” During her freshman year she was part of the soccer team but quit because it was mostly boys.
The team’s success is not based on their wins. “My main goal is to have a group of girls compete and have a good environment around them,” Ms. Medina said. “Winning would just be a plus.”
The new program hopes to give students another athletic option while strengthening the connection between the two schools.