Women's Soccer Season Review

The Lady Eagles Soccer Team began the 2013 season with 16 players, including nine freshmen, four sophomores, and three juniors. Although the team was very young and lacked experience, they worked very hard and made fine progress throughout the season. In addition to winning games, breaking school records, and improving their skills this fall, the team memorized scripture, prayed for one another, and grew spiritually. The theme verses for this season were from John 13:34, 35 – "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." The team memorized this passage and quoted it regularly. In addition, all of the players shared devotional thoughts dealing with love from 1 Corinthians 13. 

There were numerous highlights during the course of the season, including a record breaking 8-0 Homecoming win over Robert Morris College, a record-tying three game winning streak, and a record-tying five wins during the season. Several individual records were broken or tied this season as well. Another highlight was the team's annual trip to the Iowa Juvenile Women's Home in Toledo, Iowa. Many of the players had opportunities to share the gospel with the young ladies there, and one of the residents made a salvation decision. The team rejoiced in that decision and in the other contacts that were made. 

The team's primary goal for the season was summarized by its chant before going onto the field, "All for Christ!" The players sought to be unified in bringing glory to Christ as they practiced and competed. The team was also striving for a winning season, and at mid-season the prospect for this looked promising. Yet, some late-season injuries and sickness plagued the team, making it difficult for the team to reach its full potential and causing the team to finish with a modest 5 – 9 record. 

Coaches Mark Stupka and his daughter Bethany Gittins were thankful for the opportunity to work with this team and enjoyed watching the players progress throughout the season. The future looks very bright for this young Lady Eagles team!