A Letter to My Team: Fall 2022 State Champions & Finalists

January 27, 2023

Fall 2022 will forever be remembered. Why? The Girls 2005 South Matthews Blue, Girls 2006 North Meck Blue, and Girls 2007 Lake Norman Blue won State. Plus, the Girls 2007 York County Blue and Boys 2008 ECNL Regional League South were State Finalists. All terrific achievements that the Independence Community is proud of. 

 

Players took the time to write letters to their team about this memorable experience. Read how their season went from their point-of-view. 

 

 

- Liza Bray - Girls 04/05 Matthews Girls Blue

I am so proud of how our team has improved over the last few years and our ability to play well with one another, even when the stakes are high. I believe our connection and friendship we have built on and off the field is one of the reasons why we won State. We were able to play for one another and work hard at training as a team. I am very excited to see how far our team can go at Regionals this year, and hopefully make another Nationals appearance!

 

- Emily Hernandez - Girls 04/05 Matthews Blue

I am so proud to be a part of the 04/05 Matthews Blue Girls’ team. This team has given me some of my best friends and memories. Our relationship on and off the field has helped us defeat all odds of winning Regionals last year as a wildcard and coming in second at Nationals. The entire experience of State Cup, Regionals and Nationals has been one of my most proud and favorite moments. I'm looking forward to how far we go this year!!

 

- Lillian Jobe - Girls 04/05 Matthews Blue

Being part of the Matthews Blue 04/05 team has changed my opinion on soccer completely. Our team’s relationship as a whole on and off the field is something I've never been a part of with previous clubs before. Having awesome coaches and teammates who care has really motivated me to want to develop as a player. Our team has proven that we are capable of overcoming anything, beating ECNL teams, making it all the way to Regionals and Nationals. I am so proud of all of us and super excited to see what we can do this year at Regionals!

 

- Kendall Bauer – Girls 07 Lake Norman Blue

I feel like this was a great team bonding experience. The ability to come together and persevere through all challenges thrown at us resembles that bond we have created since the start of the season. Our coach helped encourage us because he believed in us, and because he believed in us, we believed in ourselves.

 

- AuBrie Pulaski – Girls 07 Lake Norman Blue

It felt so amazing when we won the Kepner Cup qualifier. I didn't think that feeling could be beat, but then we won the NC Kepner Presidents State Cup Final. It felt like I was dreaming. I do realize that some moments in life only happen once. After we won, I remember taking the time to look around at the entire complex to not only absorb the moment, but also to thank God for his good grace. He gave me the ability to play soccer and he led me to this team. I continue to look at photos and videos of that day to remind myself that we really won! Regionals, Here We Come! Go CISC (Lake Norman). 


- Alaina Kilpatrick - Girls 2007 York County Blue

I have been at this club for 2 years. I have put a lot of my time and effort into this program. My coaches have been very dedicated to help make our team better and each individual as well throughout the season. My coaches have always been there for me when I needed them most. They have taught me many skills to use on and off the field. Like, I have learned how to be a better leader for my team. The environment that the club has built is very organized and established. The coaches care abouttheir players and respect them. I have changed so much from being in this club and it has been a great experience overall. One of my favorite parts about being on an Independence team is how much chemistry our team has as a whole. All the players respect each other and uplift one another and is why I am proud of the accomplishments we had in becoming State Finalists. The club is very devoted to the growth of all their players and puts us in a position to succeed. These are the many reasons why I am proud to be a part of Independence and the York County Blue. 


- Efrain Tirado – Head Coach Boys 08 ECNL RL South

A season’s journey can take many twists and turns. Athletic teams have to navigate injury, illness, poor form, the questions that opponents ask of them on match day, and the whirlwind of thoughts that can prove to be a hindrance or an asset. The 2008 ECNL RL South had a successful Fall 2022 SCYSA PMSL season. They were unbeaten in league play and earned a birth in the semifinals of the SCYSA President’s Cup. They were tested in that match and had to go to overtime to get the victory and an opportunity to play in the Championship match. In the final adversity was a central theme. They found themselves down but kept working and showed the heart of a champion in the way that they made the match close. In the end, their first loss of the SCYSA PMSL season would be in the President’s Cup Championship. The Fall SCYSA PMSL season was a journey worth taking. Cheers to the team!


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