Losing 11 seniors at the end of last season left the girls’ soccer team searching for who would replace so many experienced players. This offseason, the Cats welcomed three exciting freshmen ready to add depth and energy to the new roster: Elena Dugan, Ella Amiri and Malena Fabregat.

The trio adapted the varsity environment with ease, wasting no time proving they belong. To start their WJ career, each of them scored a goal during their home opener against Rockville High School. They worked hard, already filling key roles and adding spark to the team. Despite being the youngest players with teammates up to three years older, all three have accepted the challenge to compete at the next level.

“I’m really happy and excited about being a freshman on varsity,” Amiri said. “Everyone is really welcoming and I think it’s a really good opportunity.”

That sense of support and comfort from the rest of the team has made the transition even smoother. The freshmen have been included in everything from practices to team activities like team movie nights and grabbing a bite to eat after a game, expanding and building deeper relationships with an already well-bonded team. Together, the trio lean on each other, finding comfort in all being freshmen going through the varsity experience.

“It’s really nice not being the only freshman on the team…we can all learn things together,” Dugan said.

Of course, the transition hasn’t been all about soccer. With soccer being a fall sport and entering their freshman year, balancing school and soccer hasn’t been easy. The freshmen are handling the obstacle with composure, as time management has become essential. Between practices, games and other team activities, all three manage their academics diligently.

“I use a planner to write all my assignments down so I can stay organized, keeping track of my homework and turning in all my work on time,” Fabregat said.

The ability to stay composed off the field with academics translates directly back onto the field. With Amiri’s attacking presence, Dugan’s defensive composure and Fabregat’s focused midfield play, they can complement one another, helping the team adapt after losing so many seniors. 

Senior captain Erinn Carr has been impressed with how quickly the freshmen have contributed to the squad and embraced the team culture.

“I love having them on the team. I think they make our team stronger,” Carr said. “I plan to push them to their full potential by leading them by example, pushing myself to my hardest every practice and game.”

Few programs can count on three freshmen to step into varsity roles at once, especially after graduating many key players. But the Wildcats have found their balance with a poised trio ready for anything. Together, Amiri, Fabregat and Dugan are not just filling roster spots; they’re helping build the future of WJ girls’ soccer.