As both varsity captain and the team’s leading scorer for the LACES girls soccer team, senior Riley Kim has been at the center of the girls’ soccer season. Kim has been both an offensive and guiding force for the team. Reflecting on the season so far, Kim emphasized how much the team has evolved, in both size and quality. “I’m really happy with the progress that our team has made this year,” said Kim. “Especially with the new freshmen, I feel like we’ve been able to bond and get closer with each other.”
For Kim, success has not only been measured by wins or goals, but by teamwork and helping each other. “The way that we support one another makes me grateful for our ability to rally and cheer everyone on,” said Kim. That sense of unity has been important during difficult moments. Like any, the team showed highs and lows, but Kim kept spirits high. “When we have hard moments or losses, I always remind myself and our players that we have to look forward,” Kim explained. Her mindset reflects the leadership style she brings both on and off the field.
To Kim, being captain goes far beyond wearing the title: being a team player. “Personally, being team captain to me means leading the team through practices, warm ups and games,” said Kim. Kim also sees her role as one of emotional leadership, making sure every player feels doesn’t feel down. Kim believes the team’s commitment has never wavered and has high hopes for the playoffs. “Despite being on a losing streak, our team has shown up to every game no matter what,” said Kim. “Each player walks on the field with all their effort, playing their hardest even during the toughest games.” Kim also shares her role as the captain. “Beyond leading our team… I’ve had to ensure that our events run smoothly,” said Kim. “I’m grateful to have had the opportunity as it was a learning experience for me.”
As the boys’ varsity soccer team heads into playoffs, senior team captain Halim El Mohammed reflects on a season defined by growth, resilience, and an unshakable desire to win. For El Mohammed, the journey has been about far more than just results on the scoreboard. Looking back at the start of the season, El Mohammed sees a major shift in how the team connects.
“My team has grown to become more like a family than just a group of boys playing soccer,” he said. “I see our relationships growing stronger on and off the field, and our chemistry on the field getting better.” That sense of unity has played a key role in shaping the team’s identity, along with big turning points. “Our loss against Hamilton High School was one of our biggest losses of the season,” El Mohammed said. “After that game we realized that we know we can be better.” Instead of letting the loss define them, the team used it as motivation to improve.
El Mohammed pointed to their second match against Palisades Charter High School. “We only lost 2-0,” El Mohammed said, suggesting that even close losses revealed the team’s potential. “In reality, we are a very good and strong team, there are just basics that we miss in certain areas,” El Mohammed said. “At the beginning, I don’t think we were so confident going up against these other schools.” During tough moments, he focuses on motivation and growth. “I try to encourage my team to do better the next time and let them know that we can always be better,” he said. “To me, making the playoffs is just another shot at greatness,” El Mohammed said. “Being able to show that we can be the best.” What he is most proud of, however, isn’t just wins—it’s growth. As playoffs approach, El Mohammed represents a team driven not only by ambition, but by belief in each other, the progress, and greatness being chased.