Over the past three years I have had an outstanding time covering the Independence High School Girls Soccer Team. The team is dynamic and has had numerous players move on to Division 1 soccer at schools like LSU, American University, Delaware, and Villanova. This past season they were picked as the top team in the state and most likely to win the State Title. Well, that was a correct prediction because that is just what they did.
When watching the team play it was easy to see why they were picked as the number one team. Their style is patient and strategic. When they played against other really high caliber teams it was easy to think they might walk away with a draw. One might even think the teams were pretty even but little by little Indy would break them down. They would find their weak spots. Many players would take shots from 30-40 yards out which would expand the defense. Then they would make their move and the goals would pile up.
My favorite player, Jayden Fisher who will be playing for American University Women’s Soccer this fall, is truly a stand out player. In fact, sometimes she would move so fast I couldn’t even prep my camera in time. I learned to focus on her and just let my shutter fly to capture her. She would destroy defenders with her speed and accuracy of shots. I am so looking forward to seeing her play for American in the fall.
Although the team had a handful of girls graduate, they have amazing depth and I think they will continue to be contenders in the Virginia High School League in the coming years and I can’t wait to capture all of it!
