Photo Courtesy of John Cobb
Every fall, a group of Choate sixth-formers partake in a unique afternoon activity: Senior Soccer. Unlike some of Choate’s other sports offerings, seniors are not allowed to play thirds or JV soccer, leading those who wish to play soccer during their senior fall in a less competitive atmosphere to join Senior Soccer. While some players have previous soccer experience — either from Choate teams or from home — others are completely new to the sport. Many seniors find the intramural activity to be a way to relieve stress during an otherwise difficult time in their high school career.
Students participate in Senior Soccer for various reasons: some join the team simply because they do not have a fall sport and are looking to try something new, while others have been planning to join since they arrived at Choate.
Lucy McGrath ’21, a member of the team, said, “I signed up for Senior Soccer because, since my first year at Choate, I have always seen it as a valuable tradition and a really fun way to branch out during my last year.”
Another player, Aissatou Diallo ’21, added, “To me, Senior Soccer feels like a rite of passage.”
Regardless of the reason each member of the team has to participate in Senior Soccer, they all work together to create a fun and relaxed environment that serves as a haven from stressful classes and college applications.
In past years, the Senior Soccer team has challenged various interscholastic teams on campus to scrimmage matches, including the thirds and JV soccer teams, as well as other sports such as intramural crew. Unfortunately, due to the ongoing pandemic, the team was forced to adapt to many Covid-19 restrictions. “We are not allowed to scrimmage or play real soccer games this year due to social distancing requirements,” said McGrath. “We are definitely still making the most of it though, playing very entertaining soccer games, doing different drills, and even some fun non-soccer activities.” Trying to relish their Senior Soccer experience, many members of the team also have a similar mindset as McGrath.
Over the past few weeks, the team has gone on hikes and competed in scavenger hunts. Senior Soccer continues to serve as a great outlet for seniors to have fun with their peers while staying active, even if it looks a little different this year.
The unique and diverse group of people is an integral element of why many seniors find the activity so enjoyable, as they get the chance to grow closer to their peers.
“My favorite part of Senior Soccer is that it is always comprised of a group of people that would not be together under any other circumstances. It is always so random, and I love that,” said Diallo.
The versatility of the students and coaches that comprise the team creates a one-of-a-kind Senior Soccer experience. Until the fall season is over, the members of Senior Soccer will continue to have fun practices and cultivate close friendships despite the many challenges imposed by the pandemic.
