After being postponed due to bad weather, the Oakmont varsity girls soccer team took the field for their special senior night on Feb. 11, against Lincoln High School.
Before their senior night, the varsity soccer standings for Oakmont were 11 wins and 6 losses. Unfortunately, the girls lost on their senior night against Lincoln, 4-3.
However, they still advanced to the first round of playoffs at home against El Camino on Feb. 14.
Led by their head coach Stephanie Paulsen and assistant coach Kelly Bohren, the senior soccer roster of 2025 consisted of Mollie Wight, Emily Richardson, Sydney Miller, Ashleigh Thorson, Paulina Mackie, Alisi Tuatonga, Izabella Barragan Reidt, Haley Mahoney, Annabell Pizana, and Laila Abicht.
While they did not win their senior night, or continue past their first home playoff game, girls soccer achieved great accomplishments this season. Senior Paulina Mackie reflected on her season as a senior soccer girl.
Mackie plays high midfielder or outside defense, though she prefers to play defense. Mackie has played for Oakmont soccer since she was a sophomore and has enjoyed playing with her friends and learning more about how to play the game.
“Playing soccer as a senior for sure gave me a mix of emotions,” Mackie said. “I was super excited to have another opportunity to play for this school, but I was also sad that it was my last year. Unfortunately, I did get hurt towards the end of the season, so I was not able to play as much as I wanted to, but overall it was fun.”
Soccer has made a lasting impact on Mackie over the years.
“It has taught me to be more self-disciplined and to be more confident within myself,” Mackie said. “I also learned that in order to make something happen, you need to change within yourself. I wanted more playing time, so after practice, I would practice my foot work like juggling and my one touch in order to improve.”
Mackie had some advice for her future and current underclassmen soccer athletes.
“I would advise them to fall in love with the sport again if they find themselves not being excited to play. I think that having a passion is very important because it helps to motivate you to become a better player.” Mackie said.
