“Second Half Severn” has become the chant of NDP’s varsity soccer team. The captains, Kristen, Allison, and Kayla, scream those words whenever they need to rally their team. Upon hearing them, every team member is reminded of an impressive 8 goal game in which they stole the win from behind. They also find it amusing because it confuses everybody else, especially when it’s still the first half. Even if the phrase is a little silly, it has certainly worked. The team finished with a record of 12-2-1 and is headed off to play McDonogh in the championships! Their success is no coincidence, seeing as they practice all week, including Saturdays. Val, their coach, has them running drills all the time, the hardest being the Manchester United Running Test. It would be an understatement to say that Val loves his girls. Allison credits him with really bringing the team together. Kayla values all of his extensive soccer experience and that he knows what he’s talking about. Kristen says that all the girls have so much respect for him, especially because he’ll kick the ball at them if they’re not paying attention. But all in all, they love their coach too.

Coach aside, the team runs smoothly as well with a lot of off field bonding. One of their favorite ways to get psyched up for a big game is a pasta party sleepover. At school, they’ll have bagel breakfasts, and if they’re ever apart, they’ll tweet at each other. Sometimes in their group chat they receive a present from their managers, Brooke and Bridget, who write them songs for a little extra motivation. It seems as if the soccer girls are always having a good time. Kristen, Allison and Kayla all agreed that they’ll miss the team the most next year when they’re off at college. But they’re confident that Colette, Victoria and Bella will be able to carry on their legacy.