On Monday, October 21st, the Morgan Girls Soccer team had their annual Senior night under the lights at their home turf, Indian River Complex, celebrating their five seniors, Lili Luciani, Rachel Spaziano, Olivia Rutolo, Gabi Navarra, and Lili Novicki.
Before the game, there was a senior ceremony where their names were announced; players walked out with younger teammates to meet their families in the center of the field for pictures. Their opponent for the game was Guilford High School. They were ranked #9 in class L. The energy on the field could be felt from the stands and the hopes were very high going into the match. The Huskies ended the second half, losing only 1-0. After a helpful conversation between the team and coaches, they were hungry for a goal. A foul was kicked by #22 Junior Riley Febbroriello and reached the hands of the opposing team’s goalie but was dropped and Junior #10, Sadie Passante, hit it into the back of the net. The game concluded in a tie with a score of 1-1.
While senior year is one many take advantage of and rush through, this fall soccer season is filled with many lasts before they graduate, and the five seniors on the team are savoring those moments every day. “I am going to miss all the laughs, having a family to rely on, and a place to go where everyone supports each other.” Senior captain, #32, Rachel Spaziano said. This year, Spaziano stepped up as a co-captain and was tasked with using her leadership skills to guide the team through the season and into the postseason with the hope of coming out victorious.
Though soccer is a safe space for many on the team, for some it is also a place of personal growth, strength, and resilience. This is true for senior captain, #6, Lili Luciani, known as “Luc” by her teammates. She unfortunately found herself in the position during pre-season with a hurt ankle. She had to work very hard to bounce back from her injury. Though this was a struggle, Luciani said, “I think my favorite part of the season so far, was coming back from my injury and finally getting to play with everyone again. It was nice to be welcomed back with open, loving, and supportive arms.”
The team’s record for the regular season was 10-3-3. Moving forward, Luciani is excited about the Shoreline and State tournaments as she thinks the team can make it far this postseason, but as most can agree with her, “I’m not excited about the end.” The end of the season, for her, means her final moments playing soccer with the girls she has been playing with for the past 13 years.
There have been countless people who have gotten the team to where they are now. Senior, goalie, #00, Lili Novicki has been a huge part of the team’s success this season. “Lili is one of the sweetest people ever, and makes a huge contribution to our team, and we are definitely going to see a difference in our play, without her on the field next year.” Said Sophomore Goalie #1 Saoirse O’Beirn. Lili frequently mentions the Morgan girls soccer teams’ late coach, Steve Sullivan, or “Coach Sully,” who passed away in July 2023. This is her second season without Coach Sully, and she and the rest of her team continue to play every game with him in their minds.
Senior #18, Olivia Rutolo is often not the loudest voice on the field, but her smile and positive outlook bring light to the team. She is a teammate who will praise you no matter your skill level and continue to support you on and off the field. She loves the supportive atmosphere as well as how the team is like a family and how “my girls” as she says, have her back.
Senior, #23, Gabi Navarra, said it’s hard to single out one particular moment from the past four years, but some of her favorite memories include, “being able to win the Shorelines Championships the past three years, the first two with Coach Sully, and the 3rd dedicated to him. The energy was unmatched and this team is like a family and I will miss it every day”.
Junior #4, Kate Gardener, both shared their love and appreciation for the seniors. Gardener says, “Over the past few seasons, I have grown so close to all the seniors. This team is like a second family to me, and it will not be the same without them.” A family atmosphere is very important for many of the team and is a common theme among most. The Morgan Girl’s soccer team takes one of Morgan’s saying, “We are Morgan, We are family” to heart.
This season is Jonathan Harder’s second season with the team. He is the head new coach, following Coach Sully. Before joining the team, he coached for the Cromwell Boys soccer team. Currently, he is a science teacher at Old Saybrook High School. One of the things he says at practice, before, or after games, it that the team plays for each other before anyone else. To be able to play together and for each other helps create their sense of family.
For the five Seniors, the end of the season, when it eventually comes, will mark a very bittersweet moment for them. The Huskies still have the Shoreline and the State tournament to compete in but, whether they end up #1 or cut their season short, they will be closing a chapter of their lives to open up a potentially even better one for the years to come.
