The first game for the girls’ varsity soccer team is only a few days away, and the team is working hard to prepare for this season.

Between conditioning and weeks of daily practices, the team looks ready to perform at a high level this season with many impressive underclassmen entering the varsity line-up.

“We have a strong incoming class which will definitely contribute to the success of the team this year,” varsity captain Kristina Buchanan said. “The girls coming into the program should be a large factor in the success of future varsity teams in the following years as well.”

The girls have high hopes for success this year, despite challenges some of the more experienced players are facing.

“I’m playing a position I’ve never played before, but I won’t let that stand in the way of our team’s goals. We want to make it to state this year,” Buchanan said about playing defender for the first time. She has spent the previous three years playing mid-field and forward.

Senior leadership will be a significant advantage for the team this year: many have played on the varsity squad for three or four years.

“We have a lot of pressure on us to perform well this year, but it’s nothing we can’t handle,” Buchanan said.

The first varsity game is on March 31 at 7 p.m. The Cougars play against Shawnee Heights at the Shawnee Mission North District Stadium.