Officially OFFICIAL Brownsboro Soccer Teams Are Officially Deemed UIL Competitor
BY AJ WARDEN
Brownsboro soccer is making a big change this season , something all the players have been waiting for . The team is now a part of the UIL Program , meaning they can play for district championships , awards , and even in the playoffs . The teams that are in District 14-4A this year are Athens , Bullard , Cumberland , Chapel Hill , Van , Grand Saline and Mineola . “ We have a good foundation , everything might not be easy , but we ’ re growing ,” head girls soccer coach Jeremy Padilla said . “ Our expectation is the same , and I believe we can rise to the challenge .” Some players feel they need to step it up this season because there is something at stake ; working wherever they can to improve and make sure they are as best as they can be for the competition . “ The opportunity to advance makes us excited because it gives soccer the chance to grow as a program ,” senior Grayson Delaney said . “ We are definitely practicing harder and working harder on and off the field to make sure everyone is playing when necessary .” The change to UIL doesn ’ t change the physicality of the sport but more the mentality . The built in pressure of district and playoffs forces the players to become more mentally tough . “ Playing in the UIL doesn ’ t change the team physically at all but rather our players ’ mindset ,” boys head coach Dalton Orr said . “ Knowing that we now have the opportunity to compete for a district title and a spot in playoffs adds a little more excitement but at the same time , more pressure .” The program started during the 2020-2021 school year and has grown each year . The move to UIL is expected to help in continuing the growth of the program . “ Soccer becoming a UIL sport opens up more opportunities for us and future players after I graduate ,” senior Jasmine Medina said . “ This season we are going to focus on growing and improving more than anything .” The players are all proud to be a part of making history in Brownsboro . No matter the outcome they just want to get out there and play . “ I ’ m super excited to be a part of the first UIL soccer team in Brownsboro history ,” senior Shawn England said . “ We have some tough opponents this year , but it will be a great opportunity to improve the program for years to come .”
MADISON HERNANDEZ , JUNIOR
29