The last basket scored, the last routine danced, the last pin knocked down. This can only mean one thing: spring sports have begun. 

“Kicking” off the 2023 spring season is girls soccer. Led by Coach Byron Deleon, the soccer program is excited to get back on the field. Coming offC a 2022 regional win, sights and expectations are high for the season. The team has spent the off season training at summer camp, indoors in the winter, and conditioning in the Murphy Wellness Center. This soccer team is “shooting” for a great season filled with tough matches and exciting tournaments.

This year’s varsity team is composed of 17 players of all grade levels and three coaches: head coach Deleon, assistant coach Gilbert Dawod, and goalie coach Gabe Soto. This team is ready to head into the season with a strong start. With a combination of games and tournaments, many agree that the season will bring challenge and excitement.  

“I’m really hoping for the Benet game,” said senior Joey Westerkamp, a 4-year varsity player. “We haven’t beat them in any of the years at Viator so far.” Benet has a notoriously tough team which Viator will tackle in April. 

Another opponent the team hopes to beat is Carmel.

“We’re playing on their field…this year,” said Deleon. “It’ll be interesting.” 

Along with these competitive matchups, the team is ready to take on schools like Barrington and Naperville North in a tournament right before playoffs 

“I’m looking forward to playing these challenging teams,” said Westerkamp. “They offer good competition that will help us grow.”

For the Lions’ Spring Break trip, they are heading out to Kansas City, Missouri. 

“We have a tournament in Missouri that I’m really looking forward to,” said sophomore varsity player Monica Correa, “We’re going to visit a university…they have one of the top programs in college. I think it’s going to be a good opportunity.”

Although this team spends so much time training, practicing, and playing, sophomore varsity player Monica Correa said it best: “It’s more of a family than a team.” These girls spend so much time together that it only makes sense for them to be as close as they are. From pasta parties to bus rides to regular practice, the team grows closer every day. As the season advances and develops, it’s no doubt that the team will as well. From the first game on March 13, this season will be one to remember.