For the first time since 2022, UPrep lacks a JV girls soccer team. Instead, the varsity squad has 26 players with only 11 allowed on the field at a time. This proves challenging, given both the large field and the sport’s intense physical demands.
“I feel bad for a lot of those girls, because they won’t be getting the opportunities they deserve,” junior midfielder Evie Pagulayan said.
Pagulayan Has played varsity soccer for each of her first three years at UPrep.
“I played with JV once last year, and the vibes were high and it was super fun,” Pagulayan said.
While some players struggle with increased competition, Pagulayan emphasizes that support is always available.
“If people ever feel like they’re not ready for varsity, they’ll have people behind them who are always ready to help,” Pagulayan said. “But it’s also on us to set them up for success.”
Without a JV, coach Niki Harris is left with many extra players for one team and not enough for two.
“We have to split practices,” Harris said. “It’s definitely disappointing.”
Boys ultimate is without a JV team for the second time in three years, mostly due to lack of student interest,
“I myself feel very confident about playing varsity, but there are some people on our team who might not be ready for that level of play,” junior handler/cutter Jack Arvold said.
He played JV in his sophomore year and varsity the year before. The JV team made an appearance last year after being absent for the 2023-24 school year.
Arvold is concerned for some of the less experienced athletes. He notes that not having a JV team will negatively affect underclassmen development.
“If you’re on the younger side, and you want to be on this team, you’ll have to be ok with not playing a lot,” Arvold said. “Some of our freshmen and sophomores might cost us one or two points a game if we play them too much.”
According to college recruitment website prolook.com, “varsity offers more competition and exposure, JV provides a crucial learning experience that helps athletes refine their skills.”
With newer athletes on varsity, those who have been playing longer have to adapt.
“A lot of our more experienced players are going to have to slow down to incorporate some of these guys, which will negatively affect the team,” Arvold said. “On the other hand, if you’re getting better, then you’ll get more playing time.”
According to the team’s coach Shane Worthington, ultimate has lost five players to robotics. Had these five players stayed with the team, there would have been more than enough players for two teams.
“It’s understandable, but it hurts as someone who’s a bit more committed,” Arvold said.
Worthington coached Garfield High School’s JV team for three years.
“I have to understand that everything is a little bit different tactically with JV,” Worthington said. “There are some newer players that don’t understand a lot of Frisbee things.”
This is Worthington’s second year coaching varsity ultimate at UPrep. Last year, he led the squad to a 2-7 record and missed the playoffs.
“There are some things that I would like the players to know already by the time they get to the varsity level, and it’s tough because this year I actually have to teach those things,” Worthington said.
Worthington often struggles when the team is forced to make underclassmen guard seniors at practices and games.
“A lot of that just comes down to size and athletic ability, and obviously our inexperienced players are at a disadvantage there,” Worthington said.
Traditionally, JV players can get called up to varsity midseason or before the playoffs start. This means JV athletes always have a chance to play at a higher level. However, according to Pagulayan, it does not get too competitive.
“It never feels like anyone’s fighting for these open spots on varsity,” Pagulayan said. “We’re all one big community and everyone contributes.”