The 2024 season was a successful one for Scituate girls soccer. Following the varsity squad’s previous record of 8-7-5, the Sailors looked to start this campaign strong.
At the start of the season, the team held three captain-led practices each week, complemented by a gym session where the captains guided the team through many plyometric exercises–building muscle power through speed–and force-based movement. Additionally, the team participated in a six-on-six league based in Marshfield, which helped them jump right into the regular season on a strong note.
“(The preseason workouts) allowed us to hop right into the regular season and (were) a key factor in our success throughout the season,” said senior captain Kadenn LaVangie.
Out of the past four seasons at SHS, this year was the most successful, with the Sailors earning the No. 14 seed in the MIAA Division II state tournament and finishing at 13-3-3. The group fell to No. 19 seed Minnechaug in penalty kicks, 4-3, in the Round of 32.
“It’s the first time in four years that Scituate has won the Fisher Division,” said senior captain Cecilia Griffin.
This division of the Patriot League also includes Hanover, Pembroke, North Quincy, Quincy, and Plymouth South. Griffin said that, going into the season, winning the division was one of the team’s ultimate goals, and that it was great to achieve it.
Most of the team’s athletes had played together well before high school. Many accompanied each other on club teams and shared the field behind Central Park apartments for town soccer when they were younger. This pre-existing camaraderie was key to the success of the team overall.
“I feel that our tight bond has been a factor for our success,” LaVangie said. “We play hard but also try to have fun as we are all friends off the field.”
When asked what was different between this year and previous years, senior captain Maddie Quirk said, “We have managed to beat top teams like Hingham and Marshfield.” That allowed the team to move up in the power rankings and ultimately secure the league title. Quirk also said this was her most memorable season across her four years with the program.
The 2024 season was filled with countless memories for all players, but some stood out more than others. Griffin and LaVangie said winning on Senior Night–after being down 2-0 to Pembroke–was their favorite memory, along with the countless music-filled bus rides alongside their friends.
Thanks to hard work and dedication, the Sailors completed a tremendous season.