With a record of 20-6-5, the Dominican soccer team scored their way to district finals and were named district co-champions. Led by 2018 Regional Coach of the Year Mr. Al Silvas, the team won 20 of their 31 regular season game with a number of team players earning special honors and awards.
Dominating their first playoff game against Baton Rouge High School on Feb. 6 with a final score of 1-0, the team went on to the second round of playoffs. Although ending in defeat against Mandeville High School on Feb. 11, the team finished strong with a score of 2-3.
“The girls went extremely far this season,” said Mr. Silvas. “Their belief in one another and their ability to implement their style of play carried them through the season. Their unity on and off the field helped them to flourish.”
After a very successful regular season, the team tied with Mount Carmel Academy 1-1 and became district co-champions following the Jan. 26 game at Pan American Stadium.
Other high points of the seasons included celebrating three seniors on the team – Olivia Singleton, Madigan Spiers and Lizzie Algero – who were named to the East All Star Team.
Playing soccer for DHS has had a huge impact on Singleton, one of the senior co-captains. “Being a member of the team for 5 years has brought even more value to a game I have loved for a long time,” said Singleton. “Wins are more enjoyable when you’re doing it with people you love.” Singleton was one of the standout players this year. During the season, she was named district overall MVP and earned first team all-district.
“Throughout the course of season, the team really bonded together,” said Mr. Silvas. “The girls made big strides and accomplished many of their goals including winning district, keeping a positive attitude, gaining shutouts and creating an identity for themselves.”
Senior Elizabeth Algero, defensive midfielder, was co-captain this year, along with Olivia Singleton, Madigan Spiers and Bella Cordoba. To continue her soccer career on the university level, Cordoba has signed with Louisiana Tech University in Ruston.
“As captains, we try to motivate players to work harder and try to keep the morale of the team positive no matter what,” said Algero. “My last year on the team has been unlike any other year, and I’m confident they will go far in upcoming years.”
Another triumph team the team has celebrated has been on Coach Silvas’s behalf. On Jan. 12, Mr. Silvas received the 2018 Regional Coach of the Year Award for winter soccer for Private/Parochial schools presented by United Soccer Coaches. Founded in 1941, United Soccer Coaches is an organization of American soccer coaches and is the largest organization of soccer coaches in the world.
Throughout the season, the team never backed down in the face of “fear,” this year’s motto. “When they had the option, they could forget everything and run, or face everything, and rise,” said Mr. Silvas. “We didn’t back down from anyone.”
- Macie LaFonta and Kathryn Valldejuli