Lady Cyclones host Olympics-themed soccer clinic

The United States Women’s National Team continues to inspire and motivate young girls everywhere, hoping that one day they will compete in the Olympics. To help inspire youth soccer players to reach for their potential, the South Side High School girls’ varsity soccer team hosted an Olympics-themed clinic on Aug. 12.

“We want to get girls to know about our team, to come to our games, while getting shirts and getting some spirit building,” Sarah Schaefer, an incoming senior at South Side and one of the three co-captains of the Lady Cyclones, said. “I like seeing that the girls are so happy and seeing what our team is all about.”

Nearly 75 players from third- to eighth grade were split up into seven of the Olympic teams that competed this year. The students in second- to fourth grade represented teams from Germany, Canada and Australia, while the fifth- to eighth-grade students represented teams from Brazil, France, Spain and Japan.

During the clinic, young athletes participated in a series of competitions and drills, which included dribbling, a penalty shootout, and a round-robin style tournament.

Sienna Connolly, one of the team’s co-captains, said that she remembers participating in similar events, organized by the high school seniors at the time, when she was younger and how it made her feel invigorated to follow in their footsteps.

Her fellow co-captain, Charlotte Rathjen, added that one thing they hope that the younger girls will take away from the experience is that while it takes a lot of hard work and determination, it's important to still have fun in the process.

The theme of this year’s clinic was inspired by Crystal Dunn, a former girls’ varsity soccer player at South Side High School turned international superstar, who, over the weekend, won her first Olympic gold medal with the U.S. Women’s National Team. Although it has been over a decade since Dunn led the Lady Cyclones to three state championships, she continues to inspire others in her own hometown and all across the world.

“I think that her presence has always been felt here,” Coach Judi Croutier said. “Four years ago, she sent the girls a video when we went up to states. She still has the connection here at South Side, but I think that for the town it’s such a great thing for everybody to grab onto.”

Croutier said that the South Side seniors and co-captains on the team came up with the idea and led the planning and execution of both the Olympic clinic and the one held last year, in celebration of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

“They thought it kind of went hand in hand with the World Cup,” she said. “And then it just kind of followed suit this year because Crystal made the Olympic team and they just won.”

Team USA won its fifth gold medal in women’s soccer on Aug. 10, following its thrilling 1-0 victory against Brazil. The event was watched by millions worldwide, and will continue to inspire many youths to chase their international soccer dreams.