Last year certainly wasn’t easy.
The South Philadelphia High School girls soccer team had endured a tough, winless season (0-9) in 2023. It was the kind of year that might make you want to change courses and seek other options.
So they did.
The resilient ones returned, determined to make 2024 a totally different experience. Fresh, young talent was infused, and suddenly practices and games weren’t a chore anymore. They were kinda fun.
“I really enjoyed seeing the growth of our team and the general improvement,” said sophomore Piper Mangold. “There’s definitely more of a team community than last year, which is one of my favorite parts.”
Mangold is a student at Creative and Performing Arts, which is one of five local high schools that form South Philly High’s girls soccer team. The Rams also welcome students from Mastery Charter, Girard Academic Music Program and Franklin Learning Center. It helps boost the numbers and helps the Rams compete, but it can also make things a bit intimidating for newcomers.
“I wanted to join freshman year, but I was too scared,” said Southern sophomore Natalie Munoz Rosas. “I didn’t know anybody. But this year I saw that some of my friends were joining and it gave me the confidence to come out here. Before, I wouldn’t do anything at home, but this team brought me so much joy and happiness.”
Sometime during the preseason, they flipped the switch. Confidence was built. Skills were showcased. Endurance was strengthened.
“They matured and we worked a lot harder,” said second-year coach Tracy Raub. “There were a lot more girls attending practices, too. It was a lot more functional this year. Everything got better because they worked as a team and started showing up for practices. They were holding each other accountable.”
Results started marching into the the win column. A season-opening 7-0 victory over Science Leadership Academy was just the start. Wins over School of the Future, String Theory and Prep Charter followed, and the Rams started to realize they had something. At least, some of them did.
“I didn’t even realize an undefeated season was happening until we got to game six, and I was like, ‘Wait a minute!’ ” Raub said with a laugh. “Every single girl earned a spot on this team and worked really hard. I’m so proud of their work ethic this season.”
The winning streak reached eight as the Rams punched their ticket to the Public League playoffs, but Southern’s season ended at the hands of a talented and experienced Franklin Towne Charter team on Oct. 15 in a 4-0 defeat.
“I’m so proud of them,” said senior Nancy Lorenzo of Mastery Charter. “They became my family and I just really enjoyed playing with them. We made it so far. I’m proud of our players and our coach. She really pushed us forward and now hopefully next year they get to win and I get to watch from the sidelines.”
The Rams graduate only five seniors and will return a talented bunch of underclassmen that includes speedy sophomore Kelsey Gamez. There should also be some momentum after a historic season.
“They are great,” Raub said. “These girls have so much potential next year after all the work they’ve done this year. They really came together. They are like this little family now. Their skills and endurance have come a long way.”
Some are just getting started.
“This is my first year here,” Mastery Charter freshman Ashley Sanzaguano said. “They’ve been saying they didn’t win any games last year so I’m really proud we won most of our games. It’s OK we didn’t go all the way because at least we made good memories during practices.”
What a difference a year makes.
“Last year was pretty hard and there was a lot less enthusiasm for it,” Mangold said. “But this year is different. I don’t know. Look at us. Everyone is hugging each other.”
