Scarsdale Teams Gear Up for the Fall Season and a College Photo Opp

While Scarsdale High School will open on September 6, something exciting was happening through the month of August: the sports preseason. Fall sports -- cross country, football, soccer, volleyball, swimming, field hockey and tennis -- have been in session, with tryouts now over and teammates practicing hard while other students savor their last few days of summer.

The girls' soccer team began practicing on August 22, and have been preparing for their first game on Wednesday, Sept. 7, against Clarkstown South at Scout Field, behind the Girl Scout House.

The team comprises 18 returners and 5 additions, including a new goalkeeper.

"The new additions will definitely have an impact," says head coach Mindy Genovese. Her three-pronged plan for success? "Communication, trust, and team bonding," she says. "It really transfers on the field." Using ropes courses, scrimmages, and other training techniques, Genovese is especially set on team bonding, both on and off the field.


"I think already we're pretty close as a team," says Lucy Glickman, a midfielder captain. "We've already made some really big improvements." Kate Donovan, another outside-midfielder captain, would agree. "I think it's gonna be a good year. We have 18 returners, and made it through the obstacles faster than any other year," she says, referring to an obstacle course that was part of their training. The team dynamic was strong and confident, as players joked around and encouraged each other during practice. "We respect each other, and listen to each other," says Hailey Rozencwaig, a center-midfield captain. "The team is gonna do really well this year."

Scarsdale's varsity football team has also been hard at work, practicing since August 15. "These guys have worked their asses off," says head coach Andy Verboys, talking about his players. "They've been in the waiting room since last winter. I have the biggest team that we've ever had here in Scarsdale." Beyond sheer size, the coach is particularly proud of his offensive line this year.

The team has been preparing Mondays through Saturdays for their first game last Saturday, when they edged Mount Vernon 28-26. "We have a great team," says Ezekiah Bacchus, who transferred from Mount Vernon and who is a first-year Scarsdale player. "We have the opportunity to take it to section 5, win the state possibly. But right now we've got to take it one game at a time." Ezekiah was anxious about playing against his old team last Saturday. Their biggest rival, however, is New Rochelle, Bacchus said.




Zach Visaggi, a wide receiver and cornerback, isn't as apprehensive. "I'm very optimistic. I definitely think that we have a very talented and athletic group here, so if we can get it together, we're gonna be a very dangerous team."

The fall season extends to November, after which the winter season sports begin.

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