Gearing Up For Soccer

Ella Berger, Staff Writer|February 5, 2015

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With the raptors in the midst of try-outs for the upcoming season, I decided to take a second to interview the girls’ coach, Ms Merriman, who is also a Spanish teacher here at AMHS.  I also asked Becca Bosch and Emma Coen some questions because they have been playing on the varsity team since freshman year.

What’s your favorite memory from your past 3 seasons of raptor soccer?

Coach Merriman:  The most epic moment of the past four years has to be winning the 2013 state championship.  Although it was amazing to win last year, the 2013 game came down to a last-minute shot in overtime and then a penalty kick shoot-out!  You couldn’t script a more dramatic finish!

Becca Bosch:  It would definitely have to be winning state against Christ Church my sophomore year in penalty kicks.

Emma Coen:  Definitely bagel breakfasts and all of the activities on the raptor retreats!  Especially the trail mix challenge!!  One of these sessions the trail mix of tears will win!  Also, when we had to learn the hard way never to challenge a team from Columbia to a paintball match haha!

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What advice would you give to freshman varsity players?

Becca:  I would probably just say to work hard and have fun.  We are a really close team and we all get along really well.

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Emma:  Have fun and don’t beat yourself up!  The seasons will fly by!!

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What are you looking forward to the most about this season?

Coach Merriman:  I am looking forward to slaying giants this year!  We will be taking on some massive teams from around the state and NC and GA!  I’m excited to prove that our little school can defeat some of these gigantic schools like Fort Mill, Wando and Grayson (a 6A school from Georgia!)!

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Becca:  We’re looking forward to winning state again and getting a 3-peat.  Also, the raptor retreat will be fun!

Emma:  I’m looking forward to lovingly and sweatily rocking pollo loco in my arms after state!

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Anything else you want to share about raptor soccer?

Becca: We bring pollo loco to every game and put him at the midfield line.  DWCC!!

Emma: Mostly pollo just has to have his head in the game.  Sometimes we need to knock him over with the ball during warmup to get him pumped but not always.  But one things for sure:  if he isn’t feeling it, we won’t be on our game.

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Final Comments from Coach Merriman: 

I think of all the seniors Caroline Smith has changed the most since her freshman year.  “Carol” (as we lovingly call her) has always been so quiet and some might even say timid, especially in her freshman year.  But after doing a great job on the jv team as a freshmen she has developed into a strong, butt-kicking fortress on the varsity defensive line.  She’s a fantastic leader, even though she’s not necessarily loud.  I’m very proud of how Caroline has grown as a player over the past four years.

One adjective for the girls varsity soccer team?  That’s hard!  I choose: INTREPID

I am looking forward to another awesome season of Raptor soccer for all four of our teams!  Go Raptors!!