Kate Zipin '05 says the best part of coaching the Middle School Girls Soccer teams is "their joy and energy!" The players certainly reflect the spirit and positivity that Kate brings to the field every day.
A GFS Science teacher since 2018 and current 6th Grade Dean, Kate has also coached Middle School Girls Soccer for four years and has assisted with the varsity program. She is a US Soccer Level 1 and Level 2 Certified Goalkeeping coach. Kate has also coached Middle Girls Basketball for five years.
As a student, Kate played on the Tigers' soccer team throughout middle and upper school, and basketball through middle school.
This year's Middle School Girls Soccer teams have robust schedules and the teams will continue to hone their skills -- both leadership and soccer-specific -- each day after school, under Kate's direction.
"We have a strong 8th grade crew this season, showing up in practice with their leadership skills and creating a solid shape on the field. Our rotating captains get practice started and can be counted on to lift their teammates up," said Kate.
As for Kate's goals for the team: "To score more goals! We want to keep developing our attacking skills. We also want to use our width better and find ways to switch the field to open up our offense."
Kate's time at Fields with the young athletes is the perfect end to a great day at GFS.
"The girls are really connecting with one another and I always leave practice feeling positive!"
"Kate can relate to players on both an athletic level and also in terms of what is happening in their middle school life; she earns their trust quickly! Kate's expertise on the soccer pitch is rock solid. Being a lifelong player and student of the game, Kate brings enthusiasm, knowledge and the ability to urge our students to compete hard for every ball. Often I will see or hear Kate modeling a healthy competitive spirit and the students immediately respond by putting in more effort and taking risks. Whether she is leading a dynamic training session or she is supporting fellow coaches, Kate's impact on our program has been immense!" said Director of Athletics Katie Bergstrom Mark.
Photo of Kate surrounded by soccer players Ellis Miller '29, Rory Mather '29, Ellie Gehl '27, and Evalina Heep '27.
Original source can be found here.
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