The story of this year’s Lehman Catholic Lady Cavaliers girls' soccer team is one of rising from the ashes and staying resilient in the face of adversity. Contributor: Sara Sybert
If you ask any players or coaches on the Lehman Catholic Lady Cavaliers girls soccer team to describe the 2024 season, they’d say it’s been all about rising through adversity.
After graduating several seniors last year, the team knew this season was going to be one focused on fresh starts. Now, with the state tournament in full swing, the Lady Cavs are ready to take on the Madeira Mustangs in a District Final matchup on October 24 at Trotwood-Madison High School.
However, the journey to the District Final, following hard-fought victories against Preble Shawnee and Botkins, hasn’t been easy. The team, which finished the regular season with a 5-10-1 record, has had to stand strong in the face of adversity. It’s that resilience, toughness, and the ability to rise from the ashes that Peart and the coaching staff have come to realize is the message behind the season.
“Words can hardly express what it means to reach this point,” explains Head Coach Oshae Peart. “We’ve been the underdogs all season, but everything's coming together. The girls have shown incredible resilience, listening attentively, and applying themselves in the right ways.”
To prepare for this ultimate test against a premier team, the Lady Cavs are watching films and focusing on game-like scenarios that will enhance their strengths and weaknesses. They’ll be focused not just on the fundamentals of soccer but also on mental preparation.
Peart takes to heart the knowledge that the team feeds off his energy. “As a coach, soccer occupies my mind constantly, more than most people realize,” he says. “Sometimes, the girls may think I’m in a bad mood but, in reality, I’m just focused. It starts with me, and I want them to always know I believe in them.”
He says that part of what makes soccer so exciting is that there’s always the possibility of an upset. And when it comes to facing state-ranked Madeira, Peart says the ladies are ready for the challenge ahead.
Should this be the final game of the season, says Peart, he wants the girls to walk away from the field knowing that they not only gave it their all, but the coaching staff has believed in them the entire way. “I’ve pushed them hard this season because I see their potential,” he says. “One key lesson I want them to take from this game - and the season - is that if they trust the process and work hard, results will follow.”
Be sure to catch the Lady Cavs on Thursday, October 24, at 7 pm. The game will be held at Trotwood-Madison High School. Tickets for the game can be purchased at ohsaa.org/tickets.