The Lady Bear Varsity Soccer team has been working hard to prepare for the upcoming season and to reach their goal of going far into the playoffs. So far, the team has gotten some big wins against CC Carroll, Rayburn, and Crosby.

Along with the usual challenges that comes with each season, captain Dherin Wright said that the team is also trying to live up to the expectations set with last season’s success. It is important for the new players to feel a sense of connection to the passion and pride that comes with being a part of a team.

“The biggest challenge is trying to connect last year to this year,” coach Cammie Palmer said. “The returning players have the feeling and connection of success with their teammates, but the new players have never experienced that. We have to overcome the challenge of connecting that feeling to the new players.”

There are many aspects that go into playing a sport that have nothing to do with skill. Being coachable is a necessary component, as explained by captain Mayra Hernandez. It is also important to have a sense of character, which will be used throughout life and not just in soccer.

“You only play soccer for so long,” Palmer said. “You always need character.”

For team bonding, the girls at always working on communication and building confidence; they do so by playing games and spending a weekend together at a tournament in Brenham.

“We always try to do things that make us a family,” Palmer said. “Everything we do is about team building.”

The team currently has a record of 3-4-2 after a loss at Hardin Jefferson Tuesday night. They will host the Silsbee Lady Tigers at 5 p.m. this Friday, Jan. 26 at Battlin’ Bear Stadium.