On January 27, our seniors, Macy B., Ananya G., and Sabina E., on the Varsity Girls’ Soccer team, played their final home game against Vistamar School and reflected on the season and their years in the program. Despite their strong defense and positive attitudes, the Bruins fell to the Viking, 3-2. 

“My favorite memory was homecoming, the homecoming game this year,” said co-captain Macy. “Playing on the big stadium, and that was like the first time our team kind of was getting a lot of chemistry and we started playing well together.” Our soon-to-be graduates left the UCLA Intramural (I.M.) Field with gratitude, looking back on the great memories they shared despite the outcome of the game. 

Their time on the team has been an incredible learning experience, offering them valuable life skills that will help them for the rest of their lives. 

“You’ve got to show up every day, even the days you don’t want to,” said Ananya, reflecting on the lessons she’s learned. “That’s when you really build that mental strength that continues forever.”

All of them also noted that the communication skills that they have acquired have helped them grow, as well as the friendships they have built that contributed to making life on the team so beautiful.

Similarly, Macy and Sabina also had strong advice about how to enjoy these years:

“I’d say in games, the score is always 0-0,” said Sabina. “You just gotta keep that mentality that no matter what, whether you’re winning or you’re losing, you’ve got to keep your eye on the ball and stay determined.” Macy added, “My best advice would be just to always keep your head up in the game and to always try your hardest, no matter what the score is. Just never to give up.”

Both players emphasized how much being on the team has meant to them in their four years. 

All three of our seniors agree that the I.M. Field was a constant place of comfort and the team a built-in family, where they felt welcome to be themselves. 

“Oh man, I mean it’s crazy,” Sabina added. “I.M. Field is a second home to me.”