After a winter full of practice and training, both the boys’ and girls’ soccer teams are feeling prepared and excited for the start of the upcoming season.

Following a loss in the substate final for the second year in a row, the boys’ team is looking to turn that trend around and make it to state for the first time in PV history. Senior Reece Spangler said, “PV has never gone to state and we think this year is the best opportunity for us to go.” Despite the disappointing end last year, the team had a great season and won the MAC conference title.

Over the winter, the team worked on bonding by playing indoor soccer and practicing in the high school gym. Spangler explained the team’s motivation for this season, saying, “PV soccer has underperformed in past years [at the state level] so we want to show people this is PV’s year.” He believes the desire for a state trophy will lead the team to success and has no doubt this year will be special.

Last year, the girls’ team shared the MAC conference title and won regionals. Unfortunately, their run for state was cut short by a loss in the first round of the state tournament. The goal for this season is to return to the state tournament and ultimately win it all. Senior varsity player Sheridan Culp explained why she is excited for her final season. “I’m just looking forward to having fun with my teammates one last season and leaving it all on the field,” she said.

To accomplish their goal, the team did what they could inside to stay ready for the upcoming season. They joined the high school indoor soccer league at the TBK Bank Sports Complex and held practices there once a week, while also having open gyms twice a week. Several girls joined the acceleration program at the high school to improve their speed and agility.

All this winter preparation has set both teams up to have great seasons. The boys’ first game is March 29 and the girls’ is April 2. With high expectations, this season for Pleasant Valley soccer should be fun to follow and full of great games to watch.