On the windy day of September 22, 2021, girls varsity soccer took on Canterbury School for their first game of the season. 

Despite losing 0-6, Kent battled hard on the field, always running at full speed and often stealing the ball from their opponents. Many times Kent almost scored, with one ball flying over the goal post and another hitting the crossbar. Stella Sweitzer ‘25, who played mid and defense, was awarded the “game ball,” and Molly Lennon ’22, the goalie, had some great saves, eliciting cheers from the bleachers. 

Coach Klingebiel said the game started off well. “We were moving the ball, passing and talking, we were really sharp soccer.” He believes frustration and disappointment were a big reason why the team lost and mentioned how they played like individuals as the girls haven’t had much time to practice together. “The thing we try to focus on is playing ‘better soccer,’” he says. “We’ve got to work on trust: trusting your teammates to do the right thing and not just thinking, ‘I gotta do this myself.’” Klingebiel loves the team dynamic and their hard work, and he is eager to coach the team to its fullest potential 

Captains Lennon and Ellie Purnell ‘22 are looking ahead. Lennon comments on the somewhat inexperienced team: “we didn’t have a season last year, and a lot of the girls are new, so it’s definitely an adjustment for our team to catch up to the competitiveness of the Founder’s League.” 

The goalkeeper isn’t worried about the outcome at all, however, and talks animatedly about the great attitude and morale the team shows during games and practices. “We are a great team and have a lot of potential, and I think our team can do well if we put our minds to it,” said Purnell. “Each girl on our team has something unique to offer.”