Marisol Wilkinson is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover McClintock High School for AZPreps365.com

Despite two season postponements, one potential cancellation, and the continual threat of COVID-19 looming over Tempe, McClintock’s girls soccer team finally took the field in January. 

“I piggyback off the athletic director’s word for this school year: flexible,” head coach Gerald Stuart said. “I show up. I am as happy as I can be, and lead by being there. There’s nothing else to do.”

The term flexibility helped the soccer squad prepare for the obstacles seen ahead. 

When preseason began at the end of October, not only was the attendance small, but many players did not return due to health concerns. Others chose to help their families by keeping jobs. Some saw no chance of having a season.

“[We] were reaching out to everyone we knew trying to drum up some talk around girls soccer,” said senior co-captain Morgan Kubasko. 

By the end of tryouts, 18 girls varying in age, ability and experience made up the girls varsity team. While the team worked to get ready for its season, postponements began to roll out. What started as Nov. 2 became Dec. 7. Finally, the season got pushed to January.

“It wasn’t the protocols that got me, we had been doing that in school. It was just the kids being so stressed if we were even going to have a season,” said assistant coach Morgan Blackmore. “Are the seniors going to have one last season before they graduate? I think this is what loomed over everybody.”

On Jan. 8, the Arizona Interscholastic Association canceled the winter sports season. Just when it seemed all hope was lost, the AIA reversed the decision days later and the season was reinstated. The new start date became Jan. 18. 

“It was jarring,” said Kubasko. “The turnover was in a week and they came back with strict protocols.”

Kubasko and her teammates were well-prepared, though. Throughout the preseason, the girls were expected to wear masks, social distance as much as possible, clean the balls after use, and take health screening tests before heading to the field. 

“I was happy about the protocols. Everyone was required to wear masks, and it was honestly an advantage for us because a lot of the teams we’ve been playing haven’t been practicing with masks. But we had been,” Kubasko said.

At last, the seven-week season began Jan. 19, and the Chargers endured a rough start. After going scoreless for five games, it was time to play the team’s rival, Tempe High. 

“We kept losing and I think the girls felt that they couldn’t win,” said senior co-captain Holland Griffin. “Going into our game against Tempe High, it was Morgan and my responsibility to encourage the girls to know this was something that is in our grasp.”

They prevailed 6-2 over the Buffaloes for the first win of their season. 

“It’s been challenging to boost the morale at some points,” Kubasko said. “You know your team is a little bit weaker and COVID-19 has also taken its toll. I think that trying to take the mindset of, we have the opportunity to play and we all want to be here, so we’re going to love when we’re playing.”

There are four games remaining in their season. Facing the Glendale Cardinals on Feb. 25, the Chargers hope to see another win.