Girls’ soccer has high hopes for a strong season

Coach: Ben Maxwell

2013 record: 8-9-2

2013 recap: Lost to Woodside in first round of CCS play-offs

Star players: Junior goalie Isa Berardo, senior center-back Anisha Nagarajan, forward Amy Shepherd

Key additions: Freshman Allison Borch

Key games: Los Gatos, Monta Vista

In its third year with head coach Ben Maxwell, the girls’ soccer team is rebuilding after the loss of key alumni midfielder Stephanie Ho and forward Lindsay Webster.

“We had six seniors who moved on who played key roles in the team’s success, so the squad will be new and young, and it’s going to have to develop very quickly,” Maxwell said.

However, a few players are returning for the season who elected not to play last year, including junior center-back Kaitlyn Chen.

Although the girls have a tough season ahead of them, they hope to continue their success in reaching the playoffs and focus their energy on opening the season with big wins. The girls will be playing in the tough De Anza division with schools such as Los Altos, Los Gatos, Monta Vista and Homestead.

A coach for West Valley and De Anza Force in the past, Maxwell wants to create a positive environment where the players work hard and challenge themselves.

“We demand the very best from every one of our players,” Maxwell said. “Every single training requires 100 percent effort from everyone involved, and no messing around. After two years of making the playoffs, we have a reputation to uphold.”