It is now spring, and O'Dea soccer is almost here. This year will be a period of transition, with many transfers competing for a starting spot. They are not the only ones working; top rivals like Lakeside and Seattle Prep are gearing up to compete and defeat. Many players will need to step up, including Senior center mid Simon Mahari, junior center defense mid Hugh Lear, and junior right-wing Salvatore Battaglia. With all this talent and so many new faces how they will do playing together.
“I believe that knowing someone not only on the field but also off the field will only help your team improve. Team success is the result of enhanced communication, increased trust, improved morale, strong group identity, effective conflict resolution, and adaptability to changing conditions," said Simon Mehari.
Some of the key players include Lear, Battaglia, senior center back Ryan Berta, senior center defense mid Enzo Christopher, senior striker Peter Sander, Simon Mehari, and senior goalie Kellen Peirce. With a strong defense line and players like Battaglia and Sander dominating in the final third, the question is how they will fare this season, particularly against rivals like Seattle Prep and Lakeside.
With so many underclassmen on the team, will the upperclassmen and new players be able to adapt to the fast physical playstyle they will be competing in. Mehari shares how he is thinking about things. "I want to improve every aspect of my game this year, but I'm especially focused on leadership; as a senior coming from a team like Mount Rainier, I have a lot of knowledge to share with the team that will help us grow as a whole. I'm going to focus on being a mentor to the younger players, helping them with the challenges I faced as a freshman and sophomore trying to keep up with the varsity team."
The 2024 season featured both resilience and defeat, with O'Dea finishing with seven wins, nine losses, and two ties. It was a constant battle throughout the season, particularly against rivals such as Lakeside and Seattle Prep. When these 3A soccer powerhouses faced off, it was always a battle. When O'Dea Irish faced the Seattle Prep Panthers, O’Dea won 2-0. However, when they met again two days later, Seattle prep smashed O’Dea 3-1. That is the past, and the Irish must move on.
The Fighting Irish will play their first game on March 14 against North Kitsap before facing the Seattle panthers on March 24. This year will be full of challenges, highs and lows. All we can do is wait and see.
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