This year’s freshmen came in hot and ready to compete. 

This year’s Woodmen athletics has loads of talent coming in from the Class of 2027. There are multiple freshmen who played varsity this fall.

“The competition is definitely the main thing that is different, and it is way more competitive,” freshman Lizzy Metzger, who plays varsity soccer said. 

The transition from middle school sports to high school sports can be nerve racking. 

“It’s a much faster pace, and the competition is higher. Everyone is bigger and stronger, so it takes a toll on your body and causes you to feel stressed out,” freshman Davion Jones, who played varsity football said. 

Freshman playing full time varsity also impacts the upperclassmen because they are now teammates. The leaders on their teams have taken the freshmen under their wings to help them feel welcomed and to help them play to the best of their abilities.  

“The freshmen have impacted the team by bringing more positivity to the team while contributing immensely on the field. Lizzy has helped the team with her ability to create shots on goal while also assisting others,” senior Audrey Scaramazzo, defense, said. 

Soccer is not the only sport that has been impacted by freshmen. Football has loads of talented freshmen who have got varsity time. 

“The freshmen this year have been a huge impact on our team. They are filled with potential and have already been showing improvement. Some guys that have impacted the team and have filled in as role players for us are Davion Jones, Destin Heichel, and Andre Watson as well as some scout guys like Malik Berete and Alex Connor,” senior Tanner Crouch, inside receiver, said. 

The nerves were already high before the first game, but the freshmen especially were nervous about their first games in their high school careers being thrown into varsity. 

“My heart was beating a lot because I was on kick return, so I was scared to get hit or drop the ball, but I ended up catching it,” Jones said. 

The freshmen had time to work in preseason, and they also had support from others to make sure they were prepared. 

“I was kind of nervous because I didn’t know what to expect at first, but my sister helped me prepare because I watched all of her high school games,” Metzger said. 

It was critical that these freshmen build bonds with their new teammates before the season started. 

“The freshmen transitioned really well into the environment. They have made new friends, and our team connection is great right now. They have adapted really well to our playing style and sense of humor at the same time,” Scaramazzo said.