By LINDSEY KOMSON, SYDNEY LESNICK and SABRINA PAN
Varsity boys and girls soccer captains Jordan Miller and Caitlin Chestler, respectively, have made an impact on their teams during their high school careers. Now as seniors, they strive to make a difference on the field one last time.
Third-year varsity athlete Miller has been playing the sport since he was 4 years old. “My mom just put me into the sport as a recreational thing,” he said, but his love for soccer has grown during his time in Jericho.
“It’s just really fun.”
Miller has played an amazing season so far, scoring 9 goals and assisting 15. Coach Whelan said, “He’s among the leaders in the county in scoring, and in fact, leads the county in assists.”
In the light of Miller’s personal stats, his teammates believe that he can lead the team to success in the postseason. Junior teammate Joe C. said, “He is just a great overall player and leader, ” and he believes that Miller played an important role in the Jayhawks winning the conference championship.
Miller has high confidence in his team this season. “We are expecting as many wins as possible, hopefully a county championship and more,” he said.
While Miller is uncertain about his plans for the future, Coach Whelan has faith in his skills. “Jordan has the capability of playing Division I soccer in college. I know that he’s been getting some interest from some schools, so if he wants to pursue that, I think that’s something he should do, which would make us all proud of him here at Jericho,” Coach Whelan added.
While Miller’s influence for playing came from his mother, Chestler’s love for soccer stemmed from her older brother. She has had a passion for soccer since before she could even kick a ball. She believes that the best aspect of the sport is the ability to fight for the ball and place it wherever you want.
As a defender and midfielder, it is not Chestler’s role to take the ball into the net. Regardless, the all-county athlete has scored 6 goals for the Jayhawks this season. “Her leadership is second to none and she always puts her team before herself,” said Coach Demetres.
According to sophomore teammate Alyssa K., Chestler is a very important asset to the team and always pushes the team to do their best. However, Chestler attributes the team’s success to “communication and working together.”
While Chestler plans on putting her athletic career on pause during her college years, Coach Demetres believes that she has a bright future ahead of her. “She is one of the most coachable, hardworking, and selfless players I have ever worked with,” he said.
Although their high school journeys may be coming to an end, Chestler and Miller have led their teams through unforgettable seasons. Their leadership and dedication to the Jericho soccer program will be felt well past their graduation.