After a successful 2023 season winning the Tri-Valley League, girls varsity soccer had a reputation to maintain. Led by senior captains Fotini Grontzos, Maddie Recupero and Nina Tzouganatos, they are living up to the expectations with a 12-0-1 start to their season.

“Coming off of such a strong season last year we’re making sure that we keep playing at the highest level that we can,” Grontzos said.

“I think we’re all really competitive, and we bring that to everything we do to continue to make us really good,” Recupero said.

Along with their competitive edge, they have also focused on creating a team mentality that has been a key factor to the success of their season.

Athletic director Ricky Andrade complimented the group mentality that they have created, and enjoys watching it pay off on the field.

“You can see it on the field when they connect passes. It just looks like the way that soccer should look,” Andrade said.

With all three captains committed to play soccer at the collegiate level, they know how to play at a high level, and lead their team to a recent 3-0 victory over number two ranked Brookline in Massachusetts North Division One Rankings.

An influential aspect of their success comes before the whistle even blows.

“A lot of us have handshakes with each other. And during our huddle we take three deep breaths as a team,” Tzouganatos explained, “Then we all clap and get hype.”

“Even though it’s just three breaths, it calms us all down and we collectively focus. We just think about the game and clear out everything else,” Recupero added.

With the team mentality, Andrade also commented on their team game plans.

“The coaching has helped put together a system and a strategy that’s really worked for our players, and it’s brought out the strengths of the team.”

Coach Tom Skiba agreed with Andrade and added the role that leadership has played this year.

“The three captains have been great leaders. The key thing with leadership is making sure that everybody has the same goals and making sure that we’re all clear on objectives,” Skiba said.

Even though the Hillers have clinched a playoff spot, attaining nine wins in the first nine games, their season will only continue to increase in difficulty.

After such a strong start, it can be difficult for teams to continue their success later into the season. This is a challenge Coach Skiba and the captains are ready to address.

“We need to stay humble and always be willing to learn and say, ‘All right, how do we continue to adapt to the different situations each game brings?’” Skiba explained.

“As we progress and get a higher record and play harder teams we need to make sure we’re staying with the same mentality and staying competitive,” Grontzos added. “And making sure we’re pushing ourselves to the highest level and not dropping to the level of any other teams.”

With this being their last year in the program, the captains want to leave on a positive note.

“Now that it’s our last time playing a high school sport, I think we just really want to make an impact on the girls on the team as well as the program, and just do the best we can,” Tzouganatos said.