Freshmen on varsity are a rarity in high school sports, but at WJ, three freshmen are making a name for themselves at the varsity level. Girls’ soccer goalie Jordan Zavareei, boys’ soccer defenseman Felix Wu and golf’s only freshman, Zach Cooper, are already making headlines. With all these teams producing winning records this year, these three freshman have helped produce some very special sports seasons.
For WJ, a lot of success comes from the fall sports such as both boys’ and girls’ soccer, and with new coach Hector Morales taking the helm of the boys’ team, it allowed for him to have full control of who makes or does not make the team. This allowed for freshman Felix Wu to take charge as the soccer team’s only freshman to play on varsity.
On the girls’ soccer team, Jordan Zavareei is one of five freshmen to play on varsity this season, and is the only goalie. She has helped lead the Wildcats to a 7-6 record. Despite the wins being on the low side based on previous years, it takes a lot of skill to start in the goal as a mere freshman.
“[It is] very nerve-wrecking to be the last line of defense,” said Zavareei.
Both soccer teams are currently in rebuilding phases, but are giving many young players the experience of playing a varsity sport.
A standout sport that has emerged big this fall has been the golf team, which was 2013 Yachmetz Division Champions with a six -match record of 17 wins and one loss. High school golf is an individual sport with a team concept. Freshman Zach Cooper is the only freshman on the team, unlike last year when there were three. This has provided Cooper with valuable experience that will help the team in future years.
“I realize that I am the youth of the team and in order for the team to succeed in future years I need to work hard,” said Cooper.
With all the new talent coming into WJ, many freshmen are getting their chance to shine at the varsity level. With these chances, expect big things within the next couple of years, as the current freshmen will be making headlines as seniors.