Girls’ soccer tryouts begin Feb. 29 and head coach Tom Iffrig is working with potential soccer players to get them ready for the season. To learn more about the preseason events leading up to the season this spring, I interviewed varsity head coach Tom Iffrig to get more information about the program.

What are you offering girls for preseason?

“The girls have many opportunities for preseason conditioning including strength and conditioning sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays after school in the weight room, and speed and agility sessions on Wednesdays after school on the turf. We are also lucky enough to have a goalkeeper training on Wednesday nights, and former player Ariel Boulicaut has been offering technical trainings on Thursdays from 1:30 to 2:25. In addition, on Thursday nights, open gyms are available for anyone interested from 7 to 8 p.m. in the upper gym.”

Why do you think girls should go to after school workouts and open gym?

“The sessions after school are helping the girls get in shape for the season, preparing their bodies, and also gives them an opportunity to meet and get to know the other girls who are going to be a part of the program.”

When are tryouts for girls’ soccer?

“The tryouts actually happen to fall on Leap Day, Feb. 29, and go the entire week ending on March 4.”

What kind of season are you hoping to have this year?

“Hoping to have a fantastic season this year. We have some excellent returning players coming off a really good season. Last year, we were district champions, sectional champions, and qualified for the state quarterfinal.”

How many girls do you hope/expect to have at tryouts this year?

“Hoping to have at least 60 girls at tryouts between the three teams. It would be nice to have a final roster of 18 players on each team–the ideal number to have on a soccer team.”

Have anything else to add?

“I’m just really excited for the upcoming season and can’t wait to get out there with the girls. Varsity has a really exciting tournament planned this year. We will be heading up to Iowa for the Tournament of Champions, where we will be playing some out of town teams we wouldn’t normally get to see. We also just got our schedules for each of the three teams, which is on the girls’ soccer website. Can’t wait for the season to start!”