The Skippers soccer team hosted the Schoolcraft College Ocelots at the Skippers Soccer Field on October 9, 2023 with a 4pm kick off. The team ultimately fell to the nationally ranked opponent 1-0.
We are thankful for the sophomores who have been apart of this program for the past two years and looking forward to what they do in the future.
Head Coach Todd Stank shared a little bit about each athlete. Once a Skipper Always a Skipper!
Colleen Kubisiak – Curious (showing interest in learning new things) - Colleen is always seeking a better understanding of what to do in certain situations or techniques and where to properly use them. While she had a rough first year due to injuries, this year she has really been able to put into action the answers she sought, and it has made her more effective on the field. Her physical play has made the difference for our team in many games this year. So effective is she in shutting down opponents' key players, she is starting to earn the nickname 'the beast of Tawas'.
Melanie Bigger – Meticulous (showing great attention to detail) - Mel has grown greatly in her 2 years here. Already a solid attacking player, she has embraced the transition to defending and is a solid outside back for us this year. Mel always strives to do things properly in every situation. When things do go wrong (as they inevitably do in soccer), no-one is harder on Mel than she is on herself. The truth is that she gets much more right than she ever gets wrong.
Kya Vettraino – Positivity (the tendency to be positive or optimistic in attitude) – Kya is our first Middle College student athlete since the rule change allowing them to play collegiately. It has been great to watch her grow and improve as a soccer player. Her ability to stay positive and always find the bright side to everything has been inspiring to the whole team. And thanks to Kya we have never left anyone behind.
Hailey Dawson – Self-confident (trusting in one's abilities and judgement) – Hailey is a solid player all the way around. She plays multiple roles for us, including taking the majority of our corner kicks and free kicks. She is rightfully confident in her abilities and has stepped up this year into more of a leadership role.
Rylee Gurley – Delight (take great pleasure in) – Rylee is a very technically accurate player. It is clear she has spent a lot of time working on her skills. The best thing about Rylee is you can see that she gets great pleasure from playing soccer. Whether its practice or game day, it is clear she is there for the love of the game.
Jenna Peters – Dauntless (Showing fearlessness and determination) – Jenna is definitely a work-horse. In her first year, I thought she was a bit shy and reserved at first, then a few games into the season we were introduced to the feisty side of Jenna. While preferring to play in a more attacking position (and she is certainly capable), she was moved to outside back where she can best help her team. This is a role that she takes on each game no matter the size speed or rank of her opponent. She is also 2 for 2 from the penalty mark this year.
Ella Hall – Persistent (continuing firmly in a course of action in spite of difficulty) – Ella has been our starting Center Back from her first year. Unfortunately, her first year was cut short by injury. She worked her way back and again helps to anchor our back line again this year. No matter how tough the challenge, Ella always faces everything with a smile on her face.
Madison Hall – Tireless (having great effort or energy) – Mady has given us 2 years of solid work and effort. A key figure in our midfield, she has also pulled duty in the back line when needed. Whatever the task put in front of her, Mady will work until she drops. Always down to business when it comes to soccer, she will give her team everything she has at all times. It is always soccer first with Mady and Ella.
Bella Marsh – Mature (to reach an advanced stage of development) - I could have used growth, or leadership or perhaps maternal as Bella has all those qualities including acting as the team mom throughout her time her. Red-shirted in her first season, Bella has organized sophomore appreciation for the last 2 years. Bella is always willing to do whatever her team needs. I chose mature because of the journey she has taken over her three years. Not playing her first year and working on her return to fitness and confidence in her second. This year her focus and hard work show exactly how much she has matured in her journey here.
Thank you sophomores!
