Freshmen Making an Impact on Varsity in California

I didn't have a more enjoyable time playing soccer in my entire career then playing Varsity as a freshmen in High School. I also don't think I became a better player in such a short period of time then those 3 months in my youth development. Playing against bigger, faster, and stronger kids sped me up fast. Some of the bonds I created will last a lifetime. There's a sense of pride representing your school in a way that playing youth club soccer just doesn't provide. I am highlighting players who are freshmen on varsity and I'd be willing to bet are becoming better players because of this experience.   [player_tooltip player_id='268387' first='Ana' last='Pintard']- I hear they call her Ana Maradonna and for good reason. I haven't seen a player execute a Maradonna move with such consistency then this young player. She's a versatile utility player for Bishop O'dowd. She plays in multiple positions and impacts the game wherever she plays. Pintard is having a strong year for the Dragons scoring goals, getting assists, and creating chances. She mostly plays defender for her club team Mustang but has been deployed in more attacking roles this season and is thriving.   [player_tooltip player_id='199883' first='Mercy' last='Karson']- Carondelet is a powerhouse here in the Bay Area with multiple Championships and a long sporting history. The all girls school is across the street from the all boys sporting powerhouse De La Salle. Making this team as a freshmen is difficult. Starting and contributing is another, Karson is doing both. The youth national team center back is being deployed as a 6 by her coach and doing well. It is my understanding due to the ECNL event, Carondelet had to backload their schedule playing a whopping 4 games in 5 days to start their season. Karson played close to every minute which is a lot to ask of a Freshmen and shows a ton of trust that her coach must have in her.   [player_tooltip player_id='111097' first='Chloe' last='Miller']- I'd really love to stop writing about this one but it's difficult. Mitty is a powerhouse and Miller is as impactful as any senior out there. Starting and contributing to wins with her physicality, distribution, and most importantly her competitive nature. The youth national teamer would love to add some high school silverware to her resume with a League, NCS, and State Championship all realistically on the table.   [player_tooltip player_id='268395' first='Paloma' last='John-Baptiste']- Already possesses a Division 1 frame and athleticism. The striker has tallied 7 goals in 5 games so far this season for Bishop O'dowd. If the Freshmen keeps up this pace and brings an NCS and State Championship to the Dragons she may have a claim for East Bay Player of the Year. Not bad from the former AFC and current MVLA prospect out of Oakland.   [player_tooltip player_id='275918' first='Ava' last='Perez']- Perez is starting and locking down opposition wingers for Leigh High this season. The right back does her job offensively moving the ball forward to the winger on her side with a lot of success. She is going up against a handful of D1 commits and not only holding her own against them, but shutting them down at times. Her team will be heading into the new year with a lot of confidence as they are ranked #1 CCS.

I didn't have a more enjoyable time playing soccer in my entire career then playing Varsity as a freshmen in High School. I also don't think I became a better player in such a short period of time then those 3 months in my youth development. Playing against bigger, faster, and stronger kids sped me up fast. Some of the bonds I created will last a lifetime. There's a sense of pride representing your school in a way that playing youth club soccer just doesn't provide. I am highlighting players who are freshmen on varsity and I'd be willing to bet are becoming better players because of this experience.