GSIS 10 Year Anniversary Yearbook: Memories | Page 85

y 3 4 1. Ezra Thomas dribbles the ball during the soccer jamboree. He eventually scored the goal for his team. 2. Jonathan Lee chases after the ball. Eventually, Jonathan Lee gained possession of the ball. 3. Coach Harding guides Yerim Choi in a warm up exercise at 6 7 5 the beginning of soccer practice. The soccer players were required to jump into the gaps in between the cones with their feet pressed together. This exercise helped develop agility and speed. 4. Rikuma Shigeta throws the ball into the field. It was important for players to throw in the ball without getting it intercepted by an opponent. 5. Nicole Wang jumps up for a header. Soccer bans contact between hands and the ball, so players had to learn how to execute headings. 6. Coach Harding gives Malia Williams a penny to designate which team she was on during the scrimmage. However, for the jamborees, each student received a unique jersey with their number on it. 7. Clara Shin runs across the soccer field to warm up for soccer practice. The GSIS soccer team always ran laps around the soccer field in the beginning of practice to minimize the chance of getting injured or pulling their muscles. 8. Ja Won Park and Ethan Hur practice passing the ball to each other. They had to weave through the cones without knocking any of them over. This exercise helped to improve their dexterity and control over the soccer ball. 9. Brad Uhm steals the ball from an opposing player during the soccer jamboree. His team ultimately snagged a victory from the match. 10. Coach Francois gives the boys soccer team valuable advice before the soccer jamboree. He then prayed for their optimal performance and safety. 11. Partha Yashraj, the team goalie, prepares to kick the ball to a team member. 8 9 The boys soccer team had a fantastic season with a total of three wins, two ties, and two defeats. However, true victory came in the successful foundation of a stronger team for the following years. The team worked to make a better future for oncoming middle schoolers. When asked about the future of LSS soccer teams, Ezra Thomas said, “I believe the team will be about as good next year because the current experienced players are moving on to high school.” Not only is the program helping set the foundation for next year’s high school team, but new tactics to improve LSS athletics are constantly being mastered as well. “Mr. Francois, trains us to try new tactics, so we improve every year,” Guang Tseng said. Although learning new techniques could be tough, the team demonstrated perseverance throughout the season. Guang explained, “I always tried to stop the ball from going into I believe the team will be about as good next year 10 11 the net. I never gave up.” Time after time, the girls soccer team continued to persevere through each game, resulting in a total of four wins and two ties. The girls demonstrated skill and perseverance throughout the season, even in the face of potential challenges. Her first year at GSIS and on the soccer team, Clara Shin explained that with the help of Coach Harding and her teammates, she was able to have a rewarding season. “They helped me demonstrate perseverance,” Clara said. “I learned to have good teamwork.” When asked about the future of the team, Monica Park said, “I think that the soccer team will have good players.” It seems that not only will the middle school team remain of high quality, but also the talent that is fostered among these players will lead into a truly shining high school team. Coach Francois, Jimin EE, Jude Joung, Guang Tseng, Partha Yashraj, Brad Uhm, Ryan Yi, Brian Lee, Ezra Thomas, Eric Shin, Ja Won Park, Woo Bin Cha, Youngwon Ju, Ethan Hur, Takahiro Koyama, Rikumu Shigeta, Jonathan Lee Boys Soccer Coach Portillo, Coach Janice Min, Clara Shin, Soorim Kim, Sarah Kim, Coach Harding, Sally Kwon, Nicole Wang, Malia Williams, Joel Kim, Monica Park, Yerim Choi, Erica Kim Girls Soccer 85 GSIS Yearbook-LSS_Part 2.indd 85 4/17/16 6:06 PM