Future bright for Hewlett
Waiting until next year is something that teams are often resigned to do in defeat. For the Hewlett girls' soccer team, it’s backed by hope.
The Bulldogs may very well be comfortable waiting until beyond then. It’s not as if they have much choice. They’re already far behind in the playoff race within Conference AA 4, and their loss 4-1 on Sept. 30 to Glen Cove didn’t help matters either by dropping their record to 1-4-4.
But even though Hewlett’s short-term aspirations are dim, its youth is making the future look bright.
Isabel Hercules is playing far beyond her years on the varsity squad while still only in eighth grade, leading the team with five goals and 13 points.
“I knew that she belonged on our team and where she would fit in,” Hewlett coach Gil Kreiss said. “She definitely has and has made her mark, for sure. The girls absolutely adore her and love her, and respect her playing. She's a wonderful young lady.”
Hercules’ greatest effort yet came when she scored a hat trick in Hewlett’s lone win thus far on Sep. 12 versus Valley Stream Central. In Kreiss’ eyes, she’s only getting started.
“Her trajectory is really high,” said Hewlett head coach Gil Kreiss. “She'll get better because she's playing against older kids who are faster and stronger. However, wherever, whatever hard work she wants to put in, she can attain, because she already has the basics down.”
Hercules isn’t the only underclassman. Freshman Alyssa Reich is already in her second year as Hewlett’s starting keeper. Freshmen Hailey Haber, Ella Yamen and Shai Cohen, as well as sophomore Rebecca Taft are also playing big roles.
While that crop grows, the Bulldogs are relying on their veterans, such as captains Siena Lapaglia and Isabella Vardaro, as well as Jane Marshalik, to set an example with their knowledge of the game.
“They get it, and that’s where the leadership comes in,” said Kreiss. “They bring great knowledge to the game, and that really helps on the field.”
Still, this year has not been without its challenges. Kreiss has often used, in his words, “smoke and mirrors” to construct his lineup. Rebecca Sult, Olivia Brown, Daniella Koltyar, Giuliana Oliverio, Madison Navarijo, and even backup keeper Emily Piotrowski have all appeared in a multitude of roles.
“We spend a good amount of time on positioning, where to be, how to move, and adjusting the lineup to where people have to be,” Kreiss said. “We're constantly going over that where, in years past, that's not something that we would have had to do. It would be a refresher. It's not a big deal, but it’s something that you would kind of expect as something that you show and we go. It will come in time.”
Until then, Hewlett is content waiting to see what the future brings.
“Hopefully, we can maintain our structure of play and keep developing it,” said Kreiss. “We also want to see the younger players start to truly mature and become bigger contributors.”
