On October 2nd, the Poland Girls Soccer team honored their nine seniors: Lilly McDonald, Emelyn Whorten, Kennedy Henderson, Liya Lu, Addie Demain, Dulci Degregorio, Lauren Coss, Sabrina Metzinger, and Elliana Thompson. In this game, they defeated the Lakeview Bulldogs 1-0, with their one goal being scored by Sophomore, Ellie Lewis. 

When I asked Ellie about the seniors’ impact as leaders this year she said, “They have impacted my season this year by being great role models that I can look up to and inspired me to become better and push myself.”

This win gave the girls a 9-2-1 record in the conference to secure second place. They will be competing in districts from October 20-25 with their first game on the 21st against Girard. They have won their past two games against Girard, and held Girard to zero goals. Lilly McDonald, the goal keeper, is essential in this, for she averages 4.5 saves per game. 

Another instrumental player is Senior, Kennedy Henderson, who recently committed to John Carroll University to continue her soccer career in college. Henderson has scored a team high of 11 goals this season. When I asked her about her senior season, she said, “I thought it was great and I enjoyed the moments I had with my team. I hope we can go far into the playoffs.”

I also spoke with Senior, Liya Lu, who reiterated the team’s determination heading into the playoffs. She said, “I am hoping to go as far as possible, and I think this year’s team will really help make that dream come true.”

Two of the team’s few losses were claimed by the 17-0 Niles Red Dragons, but in these games the Dogs kept it close, and only allowed their opponents to score a combined three goals. This proves the team’s dedication and ability to persevere in tough games. 

Lewis said that this ability to persist is subject to the Seniors, for “They always bring positive energy no matter if it is a game or just practice, and that has a vast impact on the team by keeping our energy up and always trying to better ourselves.”

When the seniors were honored, they represented their hard work, positivity, and talent that they have shared with the team over the past four years. Each of these Seniors emanate strengths that will help them lead their teammates in the playoffs.

All in all, the 2026 Seniors have impacted their teammates in numerous ways, and have bright futures ahead of them!