Newaygo Soccer Unites

Newaygo Varsity Girls bring the District trophy to the sidelines

Photos and Story By Tara Hefferan
 
“These girls did amazing last season” says Newaygo Boys Soccer Coach, Jesus De Leon.  He is referring to the Newaygo Girls Soccer Team, who in Spring 2022 won the District Championship for the first time in the school’s history.  To recognize this success, Coach De Leon and his players organized a celebration on Wednesday night at home before their game against Tri-County.   
 
The brief ceremony took place with the boys lined up on both sides of the center line, as the girls held the trophy at center circle.  Coach De Leon began by sharing a few words about the girls with the fans assembled on the sidelines.  He said it was important to celebrate the girls’ historic achievements from last season.  He also stressed the importance of both teams finding ways to be united in order to celebrate and grow “the sport of soccer that we all love.”  He anticipates more joint events between the teams to foster a sense of cohesion within the Newaygo soccer community. 

Coach De Leon offering congratulations to the Newaygo Varsity Girls Soccer

The celebratory t-shirt with the Spring 2022 Varsity Girls Soccer roster

He then turned to Girls’ Varsity Coach, Matt Painter, who offered some reflections on the spring season.  The Newaygo girls had a 16-4-1 record in the spring, advancing through district play to claim the title.  Coach Painter introduced each of the players in attendance, highlighting their contributions to the spring team and acknowledging their successes. 
 The fall season is now underway for Newaygo Boys’ Soccer, with fifteen players looking to improve from last year.  Coach De Leon expects his team to progress in “teamwork, tactics, and skills” this season, even if they do not win every game.  With an overall record of 4-2-0 and a conference record of 3-0-0, they are off to a good start.   
 The next home game for the boys will be September 10th at 4:30 versus Grand Rapids Covenant Christian. 

Newaygo Varsity Soccer Boys and Girls unite in celebration of District success

The District Champion trophy