How Comradery built the Romulus' High girls Soccer team:

After nearly five years, Romulus High School brought back their varsity girls soccer team. Bringing the sport back was something the school had been trying to get off the ground for a minute. There were either not enough players, no one to coach them, or a mixture of the two. Luckily for the school, this time was different. Many girls flocked to join the team. The new head coach Dr. Wendy Pachota, 48, was ecstatic to coach the sport she's loved since her childhood. "I started playing when I was 11...in high school that was my sport, that was my thing, I love soccer." But this isn't just any team. Coach Pachota explained how despite one player, the team is comprised of girls who never played soccer before. "So, they were brave and were like 'I don't know how to play', and I'm like that's okay, we'll have fun, and we'll learn."

The team's defender, Jailah Gillette,16, admits to never playing any sport before joining the team. Nevertheless, Gillette was pleasantly surprised by her experience. "It was really fun, and I didn't even expect it to be fun because it's my first time playing...the coaches were so nice...and it was just good vibes." Another player, Alandra Smith, 16, who's a forward, was waiting for them to launch a team. "I've played four sports including soccer, and I wanted to try something new...I was waiting for there to be a team since freshman year."

Now the team may have had a rocky first season. Coach Pachota was hired only two days before the tryouts. Everything was happening all at once. In any case, they now have one season under their belt. This is just the beginning. All the girls, except one senior will be coming back for next season. This way they can learn and build off their experiences. Gillette simply thinks the team needs more wins. But to get those wins, she notes it's important for the team to practice more. Coach Pachota doubles down by saying they need more time to work on skills and conditioning. Despite the outcome of their season, Smith has a strong drive to improve. "I practice any chance I get, and I watch videos, and try to stay motivated.... I still try to think it's still fun, like, I can't be bummed out because we lost."

This commitment is exactly what Coach Pachota loves to see. She notes one of the most fulfilling parts of coaching this team is seeing them evolve. Not only on the field, but as people too. "Seeing the girls grow, and the way they bond together as a team...just encouraging each other." To be honest this team seems to be a blessing to everyone who is a part of it. The love and trust each of the players have for each other is rooted in their comradery. In fact, it goes even deeper than friendship.

They've truly become a family. Unlike other sports like cheerleading which can sometimes drive division, Coach Pachota noticed in her team that, "It was not that at all. It was the complete opposite. They were just a family. They love each other...there was no putting each other down or being petty. You just build each other up and we keep going." In sports teams, especially when dealing with girls, drama can easily arise. However, these girls are grateful for each other. They also realized how important it was for the school to bring back a game they now love.

Gillette emphasized how the school should offer more electives to the students. "Bringing it back just opens up so many doors and opportunities." She goes on to say how the next Messi could be on the team, and honestly who's to say they aren't. "I like soccer now," Gillette continues. "Someone could just fall in love with the sport, and it just creates better hobbies." Smith thinks it's a great way to connect with people who love the same thing. "It's fun to share your love for the sport, with someone who also loves the sport." For them the most rewarding part of playing has been the friendship that came with it. The new experiences that come with it and meeting different people. Coach Pachota jokes about the team becoming their own sorority.

Both girls are now juniors and are already planning their futures. Gillette feels like she's a "Florida girl" and is looking at schools like the University of Miami, and Florida Gulf Coast University. She wants to go into the medical field and be a nurse. Smith is currently in an early college program. She plans to wait to look at some colleges and what career opportunities there are. Upon graduation, she will have her associates degree.

This new Romulus Eagles girls' varsity soccer team is one that can't easily be broken. Both sides have much respect for one another. Gillette is thankful that the coaches are present in their lives both on and off the field. Coach Pachota is thankful for a chance to coach an amazing group of girls. "They're just beautiful souls, these girls, and I love them so much."