Sophomore with No Soccer Experience: Is Making Junior Varsity Possible?
Hey everyone!
I’m a sophomore in high school with no prior soccer experience, and I’m wondering if I can make the Junior Varsity (JV) team next year. Here’s a bit about the situation:
My school’s soccer program is fairly competitive, but I’m not very familiar with how intense it really is. The good news is that girls who try out typically don’t get cut, as there aren’t many players for reserve due to most having played club soccer for years. As a result, there are a lot of players on JV and Varsity, and games often overlap because of the limited reserve team.
I’ve never been involved in club or competitive soccer since I didn’t know about those options growing up. I was more interested in art, but I discovered a passion for sports in 8th grade. When I was a freshman, I assumed the soccer team would be super competitive and didn’t even consider trying out. A family member encouraged me to try for the tennis team instead, thinking I’d have a better chance. I was surprised to make it, especially since a few of my friends got cut and later joined the reserve soccer team without even having to try out. I regretted my decision knowing I could have made the soccer team.
Fast forward to now—I’ve made the tennis team again and while I enjoy it, I worry I’ll always regret missing out on soccer during high school, especially seeing a chance to play.
I’ve decided to dedicate my summer and the first half of the school year to practicing soccer in hopes of making the JV team next year. I have a friend who’s experienced and is willing to train with me, and I’m also looking to join a recreational club for more practice. I’m determined to give it my all because I truly think soccer is a blast!
I’d love to hear your thoughts: do you think I have a shot at making the team? Should I take the leap and prioritize soccer over tennis? If so, I’d appreciate any resources, tips, or advice you can share to help me on this journey! Thank you!
It’s great to hear that you’re interested in soccer and willing to put in the effort to improve! Here are some thoughts and advice based on your situation:
Dedication and Practice: Your willingness to practice all summer and beyond shows a strong commitment to learning the sport. This will definitely help you improve your skills and gain the experience needed for tryouts. Training with your friend who has club experience is an excellent idea, as they can give you valuable tips and advice from their experience.
Recreational Leagues: Joining a recreational club or league is a fantastic way to gain experience and meet new people who share your interest. Playing games, even in a less competitive environment, will help you develop your skills, learn the rules of the game, and get a feel for playing in a team.
Fitness and Conditioning: Soccer requires good fitness, so consider incorporating cardio, strength training, and agility drills into your training routine. This will not only help you on the field but will also give you a physical edge during tryouts.
Understanding the Game: Watching soccer games, whether professional or local, can help you understand the game’s strategies and position play. You could also find online tutorials and resources to learn basic skills and techniques.
Talk to Coaches and Players: If possible, reach out to the soccer coaches at your school for guidance. They might provide insight into what they look for in players or suggest training resources. Connecting with other players can also help you learn more about the team dynamics and expectations.
Weighing Tennis and Soccer: Consider what you enjoy more and where your passion lies. While tennis is fun, if soccer is something you’ve always wanted to try, it might be worth taking that chance. If you do decide to pursue soccer, keep in mind that tennis can still be a great sport to play recreationally or on the side, even if you don’t join the team.
Stay Positive and Resilient: The journey of learning a new sport can be challenging, but maintaining a positive attitude and being open to learning from mistakes is crucial. Even if you don’t make the team right away, the experience will still be valuable.
In conclusion, with your dedication, you definitely have a chance to make the JV soccer team. Go for it if you feel it’s what you truly want! Remember, you’ll gain a lot of valuable life skills from this experience, regardless of the outcome. Good luck, and have fun with it!