Fall has kicked off and so has Franklin’s women’s soccer season. This years’ team worked long and hard before the season even started, training over the summer. The team has connected with each other on and off the field to help them succeed at something that means so much to all of them. They all look forward to getting on the field every day to chase their aspirations of a state championship. This year, most of the varsity players this year have been on the team for several years; however, there are some freshmen on the team that are brand new to the program.
“Being on varsity means I get to compete at a higher level and better myself as a player and person,” says Amelia Wilde, Franklin junior and varsity player. This is her third year on varsity at Franklin and she has been playing soccer since she was five years old. Playing on varsity is a huge opportunity for players such as Wilde, as it allows them to showcase their skills at the highest level.
The season has been in play since early September, with their season opener against Beaverton High School on Sept. 3. The team has won two games this season,those two games being their pre-league game against Reynolds High School, and Portland Interscholastic League match against Roosevelt High School.
There are four team captains on the team, chosen by the coach. The captains are picked based on whether the players show assertive behavior and demonstrate great leadership skills. A captain is also usually someone who has been on the team for a few years, which is why they are commonly seniors. Captains participate in a coin toss before each game that decides which team starts with the ball and which team gets to choose their half. They also lead pre-game warmups and support the team in general. “I feel like just doing what we can to help the team out is … the best part,” says Kater Shaver, a senior and captain.
Despite the team not having a successful season in terms of their record, they have persevered and shown plenty of fight. The women look forward to getting out on the field and competing till the final whistle. These women have poured lots of time and effort into the team. Sports can be a mental strain if you let it, but for some, it’s a way to escape. Many of the players continue to play after the season ends, participating in club soccer. “Soccer at the high school level is not necessarily about the age of the players on the field, rather, the skill, motivation, engagement, and work ethic of those players,” says Diana Diaz-Diurych, the coach for the women’s varsity soccer team.
Of course, they couldn’t have played as strongly without the guidance and training from their coach. Diaz-Diurych coached for eight years at Franklin as a junior varsity coach before being named the varsity coach in 2021. This year, Diaz-Diurych has also had the privilege of having John Farnum join her on the coaching staff as an assistant coach.
This year’s women’s team has seen and been through a lot, but they don’t let that discourage them. As the season goes on, the team continues to grow and learn, which ultimately, will make them better players in the long run. They continue to support each other through the tough times and cheer each other on from the sidelines. Their love for each other is undeniable, as well as their soccer skills. “I think there’s a really bright future ahead, especially with all the freshmen and sophomores; in the next couple years, we could be really good,” says Shaver. The team will continue to grow and learn from their mistakes, but what cannot be praised enough is the team’s love for the sport and each other.
