Goal or kick off, what will be picked? After the choice is made by the winner of the toss, starting lineups are announced and the national anthem is played. Finally it is time to take the field and start the game. Woodbridge Senior High School’s own Jaylee Cortez is ready to take the field during her junior year of high school soccer. Jaylee is looking for another exciting year of Lady Viking Soccer. 

Soccer is one of the most, if not the most, popular sport in the world. There are players in every continent. It is equally popular with both men and women. Like many of America’s youth, Jaylee has been playing soccer since she was a kid. She started when she was five years old on one of the many youth soccer teams in the county. Her position is center back. It is mainly a defensive position and though it is not a goal scoring position, it is still extremely important on the team. The position requires a physically dominant player because they are constantly battling the opponents strikers. Jaylee notes, “ it is a physically demanding position. You have to be alert and anticipate what is happening next.” There are usually two center backs and must work together to help prevent the opponent from creating goal scoring opportunities. They often intercept passes, block opposition shots and take headers to redirect the ball away from the goal. 

Jaylee has been on the Woodbridge Senior High School Soccer team for two years. There are nineteen players on Woodbridge’s roster. They have a rigorous practice schedule and practice every day for about one and a half hours. Practice usually begins with stretching to prevent injury. Then the players break into groups according to positions to practice different skills and drills. “Sometimes we have a scrimmage as a team activity. It gives everyone a chance to use and improve skills they may have worked on during practice.” They usually end with a cooldown and more stretching. When asked how the season is going, Jaylee feels it is going well. “We are the third seed right now and that’s a good position for now. We can definitely do better.” Jaylee also reflected on who her favorite player is.”I don’t really know. There are so many great female soccer players out there. I guess I could go old school with Mia Hamm or Brandi Chastain. They inspired girls to play soccer back in the 1990s, before I was even born.”

It’s been a great season for the Lady Vikings. As a team, they get along very well. “One of my favorite memories from this season would be playing Ultimate Frisbee after practice. It gave us a chance to unwind and have fun.” Jaylee plans on continuing to play soccer after high school. She still has another year to decide and consider all of her options. The future looks bright for the Lady Vikings soccer team as they finish out their season. Hopefully they can bring home a championship for all of their hard work. Go Vikings!