January is just around the corner, and with that comes soccer season. Thus far, both soccer teams have been engaged in strenuous practices for their upcoming games, trying to play as much as possible before their official season begins.

“We’re working to just get out there and drill as much as we can, so we can make sure our own strengths are ready,” Coach Russ Girard said.

For their upcoming game strategy, Girard said they’ll focus on learning the styles of each school they come up against.

“Our team’s style will have to vary based on our opponent,” Girard said. “We can then make necessary adjustments in order to come out with a victory.”

Off the field, the team has worked to keep grades high in order to be eligible to play. Friday study sessions are held for team members to come in and help one another ace their classes.

“It’s been very rewarding to work so closely with my teammates and watch it start to pay off,” senior Hector Carrillo said.

Carrillo was unable to play last year after suffering a knee injury that made it impossible for him to run until he was fully recovered.

“I can’t wait to be back out there,” Carrillo said.

In addition to prep work, the Leander Soccer Booster Club has been holding fundraisers this year to raise money for new equipment. Last month, the soccer teams sold knit spirit scarves and baked goods at the Baseball Craft Market.

Officially, the Varsity and Junior Varsity Boys’ Soccer rosters will not be released until January to allow official assessment of GPAs.

For continuous updates, follow Leander Lion Soccer on Twitter @LHSLionSoccer.