This year’s women’s soccer team at Athens is one of the top seven in the conference and are gradually making their way up to the top. The 2015-2016 season has been predicted to be one of their most successful seasons to date.

This year’s team consists of players from across the county with the talent and passion for soccer. Many of the team’s players have been playing since a young age and many think that this year they will bring the fire and energy needed to take them to the top.

“I’ve been playing soccer for club teams for a majority of my life, and I think that the amount of skill on the team this year will help us progress through the season and get some wins in,” said varsity soccer player Jensen Burkeen, junior.

The team’s league record is currently 2-2-2, but since the season just started, many players are still excited for the rest of the season.

“We might be behind right now but we practice and learn new things everyday, so I think we’ll be able to turn it around soon,” said Burkeen.

When the team is not out playing games they are on the field after school practicing. Coach Travis Seese is the head coach, and he plans out the drills for practice to helps the team improve their skills and their weaknesses to prepare for the next game.

The team played Cary High School on Mar. 16. Although the game ended in a tie, many of the players thought that the game was played to their fullest ability.

“We really worked hard out there, and we would’ve won but they scored at the last second and tied it up,” said varsity soccer player Jamie Ward, junior.

Through the years many graduating players have gone on to play their sports at the college level, and this year two players, Rachel and Erika Snyder, are going to UNC Asheville.

“I’m excited to be able to continue playing soccer at a higher level,” said Erika Snyder, senior. “I’m also excited about the school in general because I like the mountains but also it has smaller class sizes so I think it will be easier for me to stay focused.”

The team’s season has just begun, and they are still making improvements to the game and learning new skills and tactics. All though the first few games were losses and ties, but with practice every day, they are optimistic about the future ahead.

The team’s most recent game against Holly Springs high school was a win with the final score of 2-0.