The Hollis Brookline Cavaliers Girl’s Varsity Soccer Team are back-to-back New Hampshire Division II champions. After going undefeated in the 2023 season, the Cavaliers quickly got to work when the new season began in August 2024, ready to continue their record.
With practices mostly being filled with drills, their most important skill as a team is their ability to maintain a fast-paced game. They are conditioned to keep possession of the ball while swiftly passing between each other. “A lot of us play club together, and we know each other’s style of play.” said senior captain Ellie Snoke.
The Cavaliers’ deep-rooted connection from years of playing together gives them an advantage that other teams are not lucky enough to have. “We can move the ball around the field very quickly and connect all of our passes very easily because of the bond we have,” said defensive player Kiera King ‘25. “We’ve played with each other for so long.”
Through the team’s capability to know exactly what each teammate is thinking on the field, they are easily able to remain in possession of the ball. “That’s how we take apart other teams so quickly. We put the game away in the first half by cycling the ball throughout the field,” said Snoke. “We make them tired, make them chase.”
With quick movements, they keep the ball in constant motion from left to right, front to back.
Despite their confidence in their abilities, after their previous undefeated season, everyone was closely awaiting to see if they were going to break. The pressure brought an unexpected amount of nerves to the team. “Whenever someone counter attacks us in a game or we get scored on, we get nervous thinking about our streak, wondering if we’re going to keep it up,” described Snoke.
To counteract these nerves, the girls’ coach, Peter Clarke, is always cheering his team on.
When right winger Lilly Bouchard ‘25 is dribbling down the sideline, beating defenders and preparing to cross the ball into the box, Clarke always uses the same words of encouragement. “Be you,” says Clarke to Bouchard.
“Sometimes we just need a little extra encouragement to be the best we can be,” said King.
Going 19-0 two years in a row leaves opponents wondering what next year is going to look like when the six seniors graduate. The team’s confidence remains high for what’s to come next. “We definitely have juniors, sophomores and freshmen that can fill our spots and do the same work we execute on the field just as well,” said Snoke.
With Kai Swart ‘27 also recently succeeding in a new position as a defensive midfielder and Maya Blackman ‘27 holding down the goal, the underclassmen’s versatility on the field will be pivotal in the upcoming seasons.
This season’s junior players are the ones to look out for next season in keeping their champion status, constantly improving their skills during practice and testing themselves during games. “The midfield duo of Marleigh [Kreick ‘26] and Molly [Reardon ‘26] can do a lot with their quick passing combinations, and Cassidy [Engle ‘26] will do a great job holding down the back, kind of restructuring the defense,” says King.
With an encouraging coach, dedicated team and drive to remain undefeated next year, the Cavaliers Girls Soccer Team is already eager to take on any challenge that comes their way.
