Katy Weisbeck, Spokane, WA
Spokane Shadow Girls U14
I have played soccer for 9 years. I started playing for Shadow this year, but my older sister played for Shadow for three years, so I have been around the club for a few years. Shadow is a great soccer club because you are able to participate in more than just soccer. I have been able to do many school sports and activities such as cross country, track, volleyball, and being involved with my schools leadership program. All the coaches really encourage you to be involved in other activities that don’t involve soccer, and they really understand if you have to miss practice on occasion. I like being a Shadow player because there so many friends you make from all over the city and there is a huge sense of community. This spring I am looking forward to volunteering in the YAP (Youth Advancement) program with some of my teammates. From playing premier soccer I have learned that hard work and dedication will take you really far. My favorite part about being part of The Shadow is no matter what there are always coaches and other players willing to help you improve and accomplish your goals. If you are a player who wants to try out this year I advise you to just be yourself and try your hardest.
Derrick Gonzales, Moses Lake, WA
Spokane Shadow Boys U15
How long have you played soccer?
I have played soccer since I was five.
How long have you been involved in Shadow?
I have played for Shadow for a year, and plan to play next year.
What other sports and activities are you involved in?
I am on the Moses Lake High School ASB Executive board; I’m in Pep club, and I am looking forward to play high school soccer this spring.
What do you like about being a Shadow player?
What I like about being a Shadow player is training. I show up and we get right to playing, conditioning, or whatever it is we are working on that day. When we are playing a small-sided game, the intensity of it is great. It brings the feeling of being in an actual game to life. I love it.
What is one of the most important life lessons you have learned since you have started playing premier soccer?
When my team loses a real close game that we put absolutely everything in to; it’s the way you bounce back. You can either feel bad and mourn the loss of that game, or you can come back and take it out on the next team you play.
What is your favorite part of being in the club?
My favorite part of being in the club is having the opportunity to play competitive soccer in a club that teaches you how to play real soccer, not just the easiest way to get the ball in the net.
What advice would you offer a player who wants to try out this year?
Last March, going into tryouts I was very nervous. So don’t be nervous! Don’t go into tryouts thinking you have to impress a whole bunch of people, just play your game and you will do great!
Jackie McCormack, Brewster, WA
Spokane Shadow Girls U17
How long have you been involved in Shadow?
5th year
What other sports and activities are you involved in?
Played basketball for 10 years, Ballet for 9 years, Tap/Jazz for 7 years, Ski/snowboard for 15 years.
What do you like about being a Shadow player?
Playing with my teammates and being able to play all around the country.
What is one of the most important life lessons you have learned since you
started playing premier soccer?
Having to emotionally balance my desire to play high-level soccer and the dedication that goes along with that, but then also being able to be involved with my high school life. You have to be able to take good with bad as in my time involvement with not only games but also my travel time to Spokane, which takes away or makes me balance all my homework, friendships, and other commitments.
What is your favorite part of being in the club?
Being able to play with people that have the desire and love of the game as I do.
What advice would you offer to a player who wants to tryout this year?
It doesn’t matter where you come from, near or far, you have to put in the hard work and dedication if you want to play at the next level of play.
