By Matt Browning
The Hutchinson girls soccer team lost several key contributors to graduation, but the Salthawks also return a mix of experience and promising young talent.
Those factors have returning honorable mention all-league defender Keyla Fernandez optimistic about the upcoming season.
“It’s a new season, means a whole new team,” Fernandez said. “We lost valuable players due to graduating and injuries. With that being said, we also gained talented new players. My primary focus is being able to come together as a team, and accomplish learning each players playing styles and communicating as a team. A successful season for my team and I would be a winning season while having fun and making memories together.”
As a leader on the back line, Fernandez takes pride in helping organize her teammates and keeping everyone in position.
“It is important to be calm and communicate in the back,” Fernandez said. “As a defender, I utilize this by being aware and communicating to my teammates up top.”
Throughout the offseason, Fernandez made it a point to become more versatile by learning every position on the field.
“During this upcoming season, I wanted to work on my confidence and playing smarter,” Fernandez said. “I showed up to countless practices and offseason games. I play different positions in club than what I do in high school soccer, helping me learn different positions and playing techniques.”
