THEBEAUTIFUL GAME

STORY BY KAMILAH BANKS

The Gainesville High School Soccer program is led by varsity boys Head Coach Eli Viviant and varsity girls Head Coach Anslyn Ballstadt This past season was a special one for many of the seniors on the varsity boys' team They ended the regular season as Region 8-AAAAAA runner-up and made it to the first round of the GHSA State Playoffs The boys soccer team last played for a state championship in 2019 and won a state title in 2010 under Coach Viviant's leadership. The girls last made a run for a state title in 2018.

Senior and team captain Hector Aguilar said, “I thought we had a pretty good season. My favorite memory of this season was making it to the state playoffs and scoring six goals and six assists.” Aguilar, Ozmar Marceleno and Nelson Fernandez received first team region honors, and Wilberth Orellano was named to second team.

The soccer program has also benefited from the new Student Activities Center. With the addition of the new practice fields, the soccer players have been able to practice in both mornings and afternoons

The beginning for many soccer players starts in middle school This past season, the Gainesville Middle School Soccer program brought home a championship trophy, the boys winning the tournament, and the girls coming in second These young Red Elephants are the future of the Gainesville Soccer program and the future looks bright!