The Girls Soccer team has always been an unusual sport in East Grand Rapids. The team spirit, despite not always winning, is remarkably high. The team is always excited for game days, and is a very tight-knit group of girls.

Some of the standout seniors are Jazzy Dianpour ‘17, Ellie Frederickson ‘17, Kenzie Fee ‘17, Claire Manor ‘17, Mallory Dwortz ‘17, and of course, Anna Dayton ‘17. Dayton is particularly special, as this is her first year ever playing. Whilst there has been some confusion on the rules, she has had multiple goal scoring opportunities, and is a quick-footed competitor on the field. The team has had their ups and downs so far this season, but has arguably the best spirit of any team around.

The team also has their fair share of traditions. They often refer to soccer as “sicka socca.” No one is absolutely clear as to what this means, other than the girls on the team, but it caught on and stuck. Another mysterious tradition of theirs is “purp.” Once again, the origin of this tradition is cloudy, but it involves the girls putting small dabs of purple, chalk-like paint on their faces for the games. This tradition has carried them to many wins, both on the road, and on their home turf.

The Girls Soccer team has had many tough competitors like Grand Rapids Christian, Wayland, Forest Hills Central, and Grand Rapids Catholic Central. For being the underdog against many of these teams, they definitely put up quite the fight against them.

The team clearly ranges in experience, spanning from people who have played their whole lives, to first-year players. With that being said, they have found a way to come together as a close team, who wins and loses together. There is a lot to be said about a team that can pull off a feat like that.