Disadvantaged & Victorious
The Titan Girls’ Soccer team has practiced in gymnasiums’, patches of grass and dirt. Unlike the majority of high schools Stern MASS does not have a regulation sized soccer field or any sports fields for their athletic teams to use. As a small, newly founded charter school athletic teams have battled through various obstacles and have prospered magnificently although little to nothing is expected from them. As head coach Peter Ramirez stated, “Honestly, we thought we weren’t going to do great. We knew we had the ability to succeed but many girls were first year players and we had to work with what we had.”
With eight athletic teams sharing one gymnasium, weight room and patch of grass Stern MASS athletics begun with a great disadvantage. At times there would be nowhere to practice and there was an immense amount of collaboration from the entire community. “The lack of resources was the biggest obstacle: our nonexistent facilities and having to borrow equipment from other high schools was a hassle. We did a lot of fundraising. Parents also played a large role in everything; they provided transportation, donated merchandise for the girls to sell and plenty of moral support,” stated Mr. Ramirez.
The Titan Girls’ Soccer team tells a tale of resilience and strength. Although they faced numerous and staggering obstacles they continued to prosper. It’s a team of mental and physical strength that will surely overcome any challenges to head their way
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GOOD LUCK THIS SEASON LADIES.
*****I was a member of the Titan’s Girls’ Soccer team last year and would like to take this time to inform the reader so. We here at Voices would like make sure, you, the reader is well informed of our perspectives and possible bias. Being a member of the team has given me more insight for this piece and I’m sure you will find a deeper emotional appeal because of it.*****
By Ofelia Carrillo
November 24, 2009 at 3:58 PM
This is a nice insight towards the struggles of the sports teams, I didn't realize this until now.
November 24, 2009 at 4:05 PM
Love the essay. Keep up the hard work Girls.
November 24, 2009 at 4:06 PM
good description on saying whats going on in MASS. This is a form of motivation towards the school and towards the teams. Good reflection on the current events on whats going on.
November 24, 2009 at 4:14 PM
good job Ofelia. i like the way that you talked about the girls soccer team. and yeah like you sadi we are at voices and your word should also be heard.! congrats on your first article in the blog and hopefully the soccer girls have a better season this year.
-- jessica moreno ;)
November 24, 2009 at 4:35 PM
I LOVE YOU FELA...
November 24, 2009 at 4:43 PM
well this was a really good article. It was best one that i have read since i got here.
November 24, 2009 at 4:44 PM
It clearly has been quite a triumph for the team overcoming all kinds of limitations with space and what not. I wonder why our team has done so well and how we build on that success? Did we just have really talented players or is there something about the combination of determination to overcome the limitations of circumstance with the unique attitude of our students with the coaching and other things added in the mix?
(Ha, I also liked your editorial comment explaining issues of perspective and bias in journalism but I wonder how the comment itself functions unintentionally to raise questions of bias even while it is intended to dispel those very same suspicions. Sometimes the straightforward and right thing to do comes with unintended consequences... Watcha think?)
November 24, 2009 at 5:07 PM
Finally some takes time to appreciate and write of thee Ladie Titans Soccer team. Its pretty dope. Has of now i appreciate the Soccer team, and have hope that they're going to be successful and triumph. Hopefully the guys do as well...With a strong, positive mentality, motivation and determination one can take many challenges and overcome such struggles and "impossibilities". Difficult or not. KEEP YOUR HEAD UP AND KEEP IT UP!
OoH Congratz to the Editor.
PEACE!
November 24, 2009 at 6:05 PM
b ^_^ d
Great JOB!! you guys really are undefeated.. funny how our girls' teams are reigning champions. hehehe..
November 24, 2009 at 9:37 PM
I have alot of respect for all the teams at Stern MASS. We dont have all the resources and areas to practice, so for those that are dedicated and make it through all the obstacles and struggles and still place number one or play an amazing game or performance you guys are the best!
(hi-five ofelia! :] )