It can be difficult to play a soccer game in the Rocky Mountains in the Spring. After two postponed games because of weather the Nederland High School Girls Soccer Team and the Gilpin County High School Girls Soccer Team faced off. It was a bit chilly on Saturday, April 15, when the teams played. Thanks to the Gilpin School Athletic Department the field was cleared of snow and the teams were ready to go.

The Gilpin Eagles scored early in the game. The two teams were evenly matched. Despite the pressure the Panthers continued to put on the ball they could not get the ball in the goal. The game ended with the Eagles winning 1 - 0.

After the game Panther’s coach Luis Gonzalez commented. “I need to say congratulations to Gilpin because they did a great job. This is a great team and I hope we can play again soon. It was an enjoyable game. In every game I love to take the good and in this game Ned did a great effort fighting for every ball and playing great soccer.”

The Eagle’s are co-coached by Sunny Vincent and Suzanne Diekman, and assistant coach Tony Thorpe. Coach Sunny says, “This team is very hardworking and dedicated to building this program.” She says that many of the players have been playing soccer with them since middle school when they started the program. This is the first season Gilpin has a girls varsity soccer team and they are having a fantastic season. They are a young team with a bright future ahead.

The coaches from both Gilpin High and Nederland High have great pride for their teams for their hard work throughout the games and commitment throughout the season.

Coach Gonzalez said, “I tell my players everyday that they need to believe, try their best and continue improving. Sports and school are good practice for thinking in their future life. Nothing is impossible if we put all our effort into that.”

Gonzalez continued, “This continues to be a great season. We have had some challenges with canceled games and injuries, but I am really happy with all the work the team is doing. We are focused on improving the team in every way and all the team is understanding the new concepts of the game really fast. We keep going. We keep doing the work. With this team everything is possible. I have plenty of confidence that we will have a great season this year. It is a pleasure and honor to work with these girls every single day.”

The coaches at both schools have been leading the way to develop soccer programs for the young women at their schools. The coaches, the players, the athletic directors, and the parents are all contributing to the success of these soccer programs.

Gilpin Eagles Girls Soccer Team

Seniors: Alison Antill, Skyley Ramsey

Juniors: Kailee Starkey, Sterling O’Sullivan, Jordanna Gagnon, Brianna Rice-Dietz

Sophomores: Kenzie Marr, Jiselle Osteboe, Avery Ramsey, Joei Sutton, Danni Sternlicht, Annabelle Aloel

Freshmen: Madison Sutton, Katie Brennan, Molly Brennan, Lola Keller, Devynn Bulger, Adele Fisher, Elise Vincent, Jadie DiMauro

Nederland Panthers Girls Soccer Team

Senior: Annabel Ivey

Juniors: Polina Savich, Trinity LeBlanc, MJ Jarril, Echo Siglin, Kyleigh McLaughlin, Teaghan Hartman, Lauren Dirr, Jordan Galindo

Sophomores: Jade Patterson, Laila Waldron, Kendall Zotti, Payton Kutscher, Natalia Garcia Upczak

Freshmen: Perrine Breche, Liona Mites, Tatum Vernon, Reya Levy