Freshman already in her second year of Varsity soccer
By David Yarger
Tribune Editor
At the end of last season, eighth grader Erin Weir finished with two goals and two assists, equaling six points. In seven games as a freshman in the 2017 season, she's more than tripled her points output from her first varsity campaign.
Weir has scored in five out seven games and, in four of them, scored twice. She's played a big role in the team's 6-1 record, Coach Pete Cerny said.
"I think she's just beginning to find where she belongs with the team. She played varsity last year, and played very well, but this year there's a little bit more of a mature leader on the field, and it shows in her play," he said.
Weir said she's been playing soccer since she was 4 years old and she's motivated every time she plays.
"Ever since I've stepped on that field, I've known to give it 100% and once I step off I gotta know that I gave it all I could and that just pushes me to do better every game," she said.
Weir credited her early success on the year to her team around her.
"I definitely think it's the players and coaches that motivate me, because we're a team and the players on it mean a lot to me," she said. "So, I gotta do all I can do to contribute to this team."
It's rare in high school sports to see an eighth-grader play a varsity sport. Playing a full year already means Weir will spend five years on a varsity team. Seeing her play this year, and thinking back to last year, Cerny noted the team has played a difference in shaping her role.
"Last year she was a little bit more of a guest and this year she's very much acting and playing like she's very much a part of the team," he said.
Weir said that, after seeing the speed of a whole year on varsity, she's became more acclimated to the game.
"Definitely the style of play and the girls I play with and definitely knowing the teams we play, because every game's a battle and you gotta work," she said.
Being one of two freshmen on a varsity team can sometimes be a tough transition. Weir said the five seniors, including captains Michelle Terbot and Erin Wegrzyn, have made her ease into the situation.
"They've definitely been a leader to me, they've been a captain, they've been a friend, and a teammate. With them by my side, I know that I can go far and I know I have them behind me encouraging me all the way," she said.
Moving forward, Weir has set goals for herself, which include her dream of going to North Carolina for school and, she said she wants to, "be an even bigger leader on this team next year, especially with the seniors gone, and I'd like to step up into that place and help this team as far as it can go."
Cerny also has high hopes for Weir, but said he's going to let her be to determine what she becomes.
"I think I want Erin to develop into the player that she wants to become. I'm not going to dictate who she should become, I'm going to let her to have the type of freedom to be the type of player and the type of leader that she wants to be," he said.
Weir looks to continue her early season success at home vs. Kenmore East at 4:45 on Sept. 18.
