One more game. The girls soccer team advanced to the semifinals of the state tournament where it will face Lincoln Pius X. Win that game, and it’s on to the championship, which means senior Olivia Thompson and her younger sister, freshman Elly Thompson, are almost finished with their first and last year playing high school soccer together.
“It’s been really fun,” Olivia Thompson said. “There are some times we butt heads a little bit, but that’s just because we are both competitive.”
These sisters have enjoyed the game since they were little, but they have waited a long time to play together on a team with their peers. This duo has brought lots of success to the team, especially this season has brought out many accomplishments throughout this season.
“We have been very successful this year and have lost only three games this far,” Olivia said. “We are scoring a lot and we have good players, so overall, I think it’s the best season I’ve had at Elkhorn.”
Freshman Elly has only experienced this year with the team, but she said she is grateful to enjoy this season with them.
“I think this group of girls is a lot more special than most teams,” Elly said. “Not to say that other teams aren’t special, I just feel we all have a good bond and play the same together.”
Because of the greatness this team has risen to, they are rewarded with the opportunity to show their talents at state.
“I’m super excited and I think I’m going to get very emotional probably when we start playing,” Olivia said. “But that’s just because of the atmosphere but it was our end goal for the season.”
With the amazing things this team has grown from, it never comes without difficulty.
“I think my shoulder injury made me very scared but also very eager to come back and my drive and recovery process of everything just gave me motivation and I wanted to play with the team so much more,” Olivia said. “It was definitely emotional for me because I thought I was going to be out the rest season.
Elly said she has always looked up to her sister and strives to be as successful as Olivia.
“Ever since I was little I have always looked up to her,” Elly said. “I know that she is a good player and in middle school I was ready to play with her. I enjoyed watching her play, especially in high school.”
Now the season and school year is coming to an end. Olivia has committed to an in-state college to continue her soccer career.
“I’m going to Wayne State to play soccer for their program,” Olivia said. “I’ll still continue to workout and stay close with the team and the girls here and stay part of the Elkhorn culture.”
The players at Elkhorn have the amount of dedication and strive that every team wants to achieve, but there is something about Elkhorn Soccer specifically that makes it so special.
“I’d say, if someone’s thinking about going out, do it,” Elly said. “It’s fun and the coaches are so amazing. It’s the best coaching I’ve ever gotten but everyone just bonds as a family, we never fight but just give nice criticism and it’s just a good atmosphere.”