Arlington High School student-athletes Grace Siver, Gwen Bostwick and Maddie Larsen all earned varsity status during the first year of their school's co-op with Fremont in soccer.
Siver was a junior forward for the Tigers, while Bostwick claimed a varsity spot as a freshman and Larsen split time during her ninth-grade season between the junior varsity and top squad. Their team went 5-13 overall, claiming victories against Omaha Concordia, Omaha Bryan, Grand Island — twice — and Omaha North. Their last win against the Vikings was FHS' first during district competition in a decade, according to the Fremont Tribune.
“It was a lot different,” Siver said Monday, comparing high school soccer to her previous club play. “Schools are definitely harder when we go against them.”
Still, the AHS student was comfortable in black and yellow.
“My fall team is mostly the high school team, so I've played with most of the girls before,” she said. “So, it wasn't that much different.”
Siver explained how a season highlight was the chemistry of the team, noting, “We had a lot of fun all of the time.”
Going forward, the Tiger wants to continue to work on her soccer skills and gun for a captain spot with FHS next spring.
Bostwick detailed her experience as a high school freshman player Monday, too.
“There was definitely a difference between the levels I've competed at before,” she said. “I went from just playing club to being Class A going against other Class A schools with varsity, older people.”
At times, the Tiger said it was difficult playing from her position in the midfield, but she made it through.
“Most of the people were pretty supportive and kind of helped me through that,” Bostwick explained, complimenting her coaches' role.
Next season, though, the Arlington soccer player wants to have more endurance.
Larsen, meanwhile, was happy to have a role across two teams this past Fremont season.
“There's definitely a difference between the JV and varsity level, and you learn that when you play both,” she said.
The former goalkeeper did not play between the posts this past season either.
“I had to keep an open mind about different positions and all that,” Larsen explained, noting she wants to keep that mentality going forward. She'll be one of a all three Eagles who said they plan on joining the Tigers through their schools' co-op again next year.
