Experienced Hampshire team back for more

While reminiscing about her 3-year varsity soccer career at Hampshire High School, senior midfielder Kelly Plichta referred to her soon-to-be alma mater as 'a small school doing big things'.

Following three consecutive trips to state, including last year's 16-6-2 run which resulted in a debut at the state championship match, Hampshire makes the jump from Class A competition to Class AA.

Now the Whip-Purs will have to redefine 'a small school doing big things'.

For them, the challenge is a highly welcome one.

For head coach Patrick O'Brien, there's no group he'd rather take the journey with.

"I love game day," O'Brien said. "There are very few things I enjoy as much. Knowing that these kids have put the time in and are ready, seeing them execute is just plain enjoyable."

Not that it was a choice, but Hampshire makes the leap to Class AA action at a good time returning 9 seniors and all but three athletes from last year's successful squad.

Leading the way will be senior midfielders Plichta, Kristy Pfaffinger, Kendall Kurilla, Allie Lattanzio and Kayla Meyer, senior forward Christine Schumacher, Gia Estocado and Lauren Balisteri and goalkeeper Alexa Heinrich.

Last season, Heinrich allowed just 15 goals in 24 games while the Whip-Purs racked up 50 shots on the other end.

Offensively, the Whips saw 10 different players find the back of the net, nine of them converting multiple times.

Leading the scoring barrage was Schumacher with 9 knocks and 3 assists. Outside midfielder, Alex Field followed with 8 goals and 5 dishes.

Now a senior, Schumacher reflects on her time with the program.

"It has been great playing with so many different players throughout the years because no matter the combination, we always played as one team," Schumacher said. "We have a lot of strong young girls joining the program and it is always great to see new talent. It reminds me of my freshman year. Watching Amanda Markham was one of the best things for us as freshmen."

An in-depth look into the Hampshire soccer program, or the school's athletic programs in general, reveals a family atmosphere.

That said, as athletes come and go, you'll find that none of them leave forever. Certainly, a part of their hearts always stays close to home and each will always bleed purple and white.

Just heading into her senior season, Plichta already illustrates that sentiment.

"Our younger girls are looking forward to keeping the program going which means a lot to those of us playing now," Plichta said. "Coming into the program, you don't know what to expect - but I can say this: I got a lot more out of being a part of this soccer team than I ever expected I would," she added.

"I'll never forget any of this. We're a small school doing big things. You keep that forever."

Among those who hope to keep the winning tradition alive at Hampshire are juniors Cassie Dumoulin, Stephanie Toufexis, Alex Field, Funmi Makinde, Bridget Dumoulin, Kelsey Burke and Samantha Anderson as well as sophomores Kelsey Anderson and Alex Dumoulin.

New talent will only add depth to the Whip-Pur bench. Is a four-peat in the cards for Hampshire?

"First and foremost, these girls respect the game," said O'Brien. "They have things that they want to prove to themselves and they intend to do that no matter the competition. These girls haven't put an exclamation point on anything yet. And whatever the outcome, every one of these girls will be a tremendous asset to our country."

According to seniors Schumacher and Plichta, the effort will be a team effort each and every day on the pitch.

"We have such great talent here, we love one another and we love the sport," said Schumacher. "As a senior, being our last year will be a huge motivation," she added.

Plichta agreed.

"I can tell you that Hampshire will have nine seniors on the field playing like every game is our last," Plichta said. "No matter the situation, we're going to go for it. You have to understand, we are just happy to be out there playing soccer. Sure, our focus is always on state, but you have to take games as they come in order to arrive there. That's what we'll do."