By Adolphus Ames —
Nandua Warriors are among several Eastern Shore teams gearing up for soccer season. The girls varsity soccer team is set to begin its season in the next few weeks.
“We lost six seniors,” said head coach Dana Wright, now in her eighth year leading the team. “But we still have a lot of depth this year because we have many returning players. Last year, our team consisted mainly of ninth and tenth graders. There also isn’t a junior varsity team, so we will have a lot of subs.”
The biggest challenge the Warriors will face this season is conditioning. “Our players don’t do a lot outside of the season,” said Wright. “For most of the team, this is the only sport they play. I have to get them back in running shape, but I can’t push them too hard because injuries become a risk.”
Last year, the Warriors played a limited season due to COVID-19-related travel restrictions that prevented them from playing outside the district. As a result, the Warriors wrapped up their season with a 3-2 record, defeating Arcadia three times and losing to Northampton twice. The Warriors hosted a first-round regional game against King William, but came up short, 4-2.
Wright’s goal this year is to play and win more. “I would like to finish this season with a better record than last season,” she said. “We hope to score more goals and have more fun.”
The Nandua boys varsity team is also eager to return to the soccer field. Last year, the boys defeated the Graham G-Men 6-1 to capture the Division II State Championship.
“We lost about four to six seniors this season,” said head coach Paul Nolz, now in his 31st year leading the team. “And one of our underclassmen, who was also one of our main goal scorers, moved away. Roster adjustments are a part of the game. Every year you have to reshuffle the deck.”
The Warriors’ biggest challenge this season will be team chemistry. “We have to create a good rhythm and team chemistry,” said Nolz. “We have to make sure the players get along with each other and understand the system and schemes. Roles change frequently. We like our players trained in three different positions.”
Nolz’s goal this year is to be competitive. “We have to be competitive so that whether you win or lose your opponent knows you came to play,” he said. “We have to figure out our strengths and weaknesses and then protect our weaknesses and take advantage of our strengths.”
The Warriors girls varsity team defeated Laurel 2-1 in a scrimmage match Tuesday, March 8. The Warriors will officially open their season Tuesday, March 22 when they travel to Norfolk to face Norfolk Collegiate High School. The boys varsity team will open its season Tuesday, March 15, at Bayside High School in Virginia Beach.
