Senior Leadership Fuels Firebirds For a Successful 2025 Season
The whistle blew and the crowd stood up, erupting into cheers as the game kicked off. The clock is ticking and the Free State Firebirds girls varsity soccer team wastes no time gaining possession of the ball. Gunning for the net #15 Lauren Woods gains control and takes it all the way facing the net and strikes the ball, gaining their first goal within 1 minute and 5 seconds into the game. The underdog team erupts into cheers feeding the momentum early into the 2nd game of the season.
The Firebirds team has shown growth over the past 4 years, aiming to make a run this season to the conference finals. After an initial set back to Olathe Northwest the team secured a win at their home opener 3-2 against Shawnee Heights.
In the previous seasons the Firebirds faced challenges only walking away with 3 wins last season, they are working towards a more competitive and successful year.
Competing in the Sunflower Conference a conference known for its competitive atmosphere that also consists of some of Kansas’s most wealthiest districts. In the district are schools like Olathe North, and Northwest which carry a property value of $500,000 according to the city of Olathe. This reflects the financial strength that the districts receive from the community which helps provide funding to successful athletic programs.
Coach Joe Waldron recognizes these challenges and trains his team to overlook the barriers and compete against high level athletes. Waldron believes that this year will bring much success as they lead the 2025 season with 6 senior leaders who are taking in their last season ever.
“We have a core of 6 seniors who are great leaders for the team and are focused to win and recognize that this is the last season that they will all get to play together,” said Waldron.
As the season kicks off the team is more focused to clinch wins and succeed but what Coach Waldron recognizes more is that this team is more bonded than ever and will walk away with lasting friendships and teachable moments.
“I have been coaching this team for the past 4 years and grew with the senior leaders. These girls are all great friends and are smart, happy, and hardworking.” adding that “There are teachable moments in every game and I try to highlight those as much as possible as an educator.” said Waldron
Many of the girls on the team are wrapping up their last season ever in the game of soccer and hoping to walk away with a successful season; others are looking beyond high school and are committing to their future in the sport on a collegiate level. Senior Taylor Woods who has committed to Wayne State College is excited to continue her love of the game.
“I am so thankful for my amazing teammates and coaches who have given me the opportunity to continue playing and I can’t wait to play in college and start my new chapter.” Woods
As the Firebirds continue their start to the 2025 season they hope to make a positive impact with the support from the Lawrence community and leadership from the 6 seniors. They are on the path to a winning season and Coach Waldron hopes to gain experience for his team and develop leaders and moments that they can all learn from.