Giving success a shot

It’s one of the final Wednesday mornings of summer vacation, and most teenagers are taking the opportunity to sleep in.

But by 8 a.m., one group of dedicated young soccer players already is running a mile around the track at 11th and Bigler streets. The female athletes have been sacrificing their shuteye since Aug. 23 as they prepare for their first season as the Ss. John Neumann-Maria Goretti Saints.

New coach Jim McBride said he has been impressed with the 25 or so girls showing up at practice every day.

"I was pleased with the effort," said the coach, who replaced Jim Gallagher. "Seven girls [did one lap] within 90 seconds, and some came close to it."

McBride apparently is providing motivation for players like senior fullback Stephanie McAllister.

"I think because McBride is being real dedicated, we are being dedicated to him, too," she said.

Fellow senior Megan Kelly also is showing up every day, despite being sidelined for the season due to physical therapy she is undergoing for shoulder surgery.

"It’s my last year. I want to have fun and help the team," she explained.

Like her teammate, Kelly credited McBride’s positive attitude for bringing her out to practice regularly.

"He motivates us to want to win, play and do better," she said. "He is really into soccer and I want to be here every day."

McBride will continue recruiting when school starts. With more than 30 players, the Saints will be able to form both varsity and junior-varsity squads.

The team already has drawn some new athletes.

Jennifer Santore, who hasn’t played soccer since eighth grade, decided to come out for her senior year — for a practical purpose.

"I am staying in shape for basketball season," she said.

The Neumann-Goretti team has an opportunity for renewal after a rather dismal history. As the Goretti Lambs, the program never scored more than three wins in a season, and last year went 1-11.

"We work together as a team," said senior Jennifer Ranalli. "It just doesn’t show."

Senior forward Jackie Ferrer, playing her first season of varsity soccer, is optimistic about the chances for improvement.

"I think we have a good team and the girls have a lot of talent," she said. "I think we can win some games this year."

The players admit to some ambivalent feelings as their school changes identity from a girls’ institution to a coed facility.

Forward-midfielder Maria Janelli said the change is "a little weird," adding that her two older sisters wore red and white for their entire high-school careers.

"I would rather wear red," the sophomore said. "I have to get new cleats because the ones I have are all red."

Sophomore defender Caitlin Smith quipped that the boys might create a food shortage in the lunchroom, while senior fullback Shanefia Barrett was more reflective about the upcoming changes.

"It’s sad because I spent three years as a Goretti girl and now I am a Saint," she said.

McBride is out to make another change: He will stress the need to think like winners. In Catholic League games, the coach wants the Saints to be the first to touch the ball, the first to take a shot and the first to take a corner kick.

"You have to put pressure on the other team," he said. "That’s done by outworking the other team."

After graduating eight players, the squad will need this year’s upperclassmen to step up. Seniors Lauren Scairato, Jamie McElhone, Ranalli, Barrett, Ferrer and Kelly are among those inheriting leadership roles.

Even with her injury, Kelly is teaching her teammates various techniques and skills. She’s also making the best of the school’s transition.

"I would like to graduate as just St. Maria Goretti, but since I can’t change that, I might as well look forward to it," Kelly said.

The reinvigorated team will open the regular season Wednesday with a daunting away game against defending Catholic League champion Cardinal O’Hara.

But then, this team is used to uphill battles and, this year, it seems the group is equipped to win.

"The response with the girls has been excellent," McBride said. "They have shown dedication, effort and desire."

2004 Schedule

Sept. 8 O’Hara -Away
Sept. 10 Prendergast -Home
Sept. 16 Little Flower -Away
Sept. 20 Carroll -Home
Sept. 23 Hallahan -Away
Sept. 27 West Catholic -Home
Sept. 29 O’Hara -Home
Oct. 4 Prendergast -Away
Oct. 11 Little Flower -Home
Oct. 14 Carroll -Away
Oct. 18 Hallahan -Home
Oct. 21 West Catholic -Away
Oct. 27 -Quarterfinals
Oct. 30 -Semifinals
Nov. 7 -Championship

Home field is Palumbo Recreation Center, 10th and Fitzwater streets. All games start at 3:30 p.m.