Carly Wetzel helping captain River Hill girls soccer to bounce-back campaign

As a freshman you played a huge role in helping your team get to, and win states, highlighted by scoring the game-winner in the 3A East title game. Do you remember that feeling? Did you feel a little overwhelmed in the moment looking back?
Freshman year we all really looked up to our seniors and the upperclassmen on the team. We came in to such a competitive program with such a rich tradition and it was kind of intimidating and there was a lot of pressure. But I think we knew then our role there was more of a supporting role to do what we could to help us get to that state championship. I think that also helped us for this now and seeing what our captains then and all of our upperclassmen, how they led the team, the roles they played and how hard they worked and I think the pressure back then for the three of us really helped us develop as players and teammates.

River Hill athletics in general has such a high standard for winning. Was it frustrating last season, coming off a state championship year, to kind of teeter off, ending your season in the second round of playoffs? And does it put a little bit more pressure on this year to come back and do well once again?

I think it did put some pressure on us, because coming after freshman year we all of course wanted to go after the four-peat and we wanted to continue that tradition and standard. It was a let down to go out that way in playoffs. It was frustrating, because we went from such a strong season freshman year to having a little bit more turbulence last year, but I think it was kind of good for us in a way. I think that adversity, so to speak, it helps us push ourselves harder and teaches us more about the game and as coach Song says, about life. I think maybe it was disappointing, but it served its purpose and it's going to help us going forward. We'll learn from what we went through last year and strengthen ourselves this year and get back to where we were… and getting to states again.

You saw what it takes to get to the state championship game. Do you feel like you guys have the potential to make a run like you had freshman year?
I feel like we do. We obviously have some things to work through. I see tactically, technically, there are some things we need to improve on, but I have such faith in my teammates, these girls and my coaches of course. I know we have a lot of chemistry this year. We're working hard. I think if we put our minds to it, I have no doubt we can make a run like we did freshman year. There's going to be improvements to be made and we're maybe going to lose a game here and there — hopefully not any more. I'm not planning on it. But, everything that we go through during the season helps us prepare for the postseason and I think we will be capable of making that run.

How have you developed as a player?
Mentally I think that's an on-going improvement. I've definitely developed a lot in that sense. I mean, I came here and I was so intimidated by the pressure and not only the players on my team, but in the county. They were just all so good and I just — I don't know, knew my place maybe? But I was intimidated by that like, 'I don't want the ball because I don't want to make a mistake here.' But just the experiences I've had during high school and club have strengthened me mentally and has definitely improved my confidence, so that's where I've come a long way since then.
Tactically, I'm usually one of my toughest critics so it's hard for me to say where I've improved, but I think I've gotten a little bit more composed.

It seems like you guys have this "evil empire" stigma about you. Every team seems like they want you to lose and every team can't wait to play you, so they can get a chance to beat you. Do you guys feel like that? And does that give you even more motivation to play teams even harder?
I mean if we do have that reputation, it just serves as motivation to uphold that. I'd rather be the team that other teams want to beat than just another county game. I think it's kind of hard to live up to because there are going to be losses and that's going to be rough, but I think as long as we prove ourselves a tough opponent we can keep that reputation going.

What about your future in soccer; where do you see yourself going from here?
I really want to play competitively in college. I really have a passion for this game and when I think about my future it's like, I don't know what I want to do. I'll just play soccer for as long as I can. I always want to keep improving and keep getting better. I think that playing in college and playing really competitively in college is the best way to do that. It's such an experience that I've always dreamed of and I really hope to play at a great program like that.

In your head, when would you like to get the recruitment process over with and verbally commit?
Well I mean all athletes want it done quickly, but I think for me it's going to be a process that varies in length. It's different for everyone. I think as long as I get to play somewhere where I am stretching myself and stretching my limits, getting better as a player and really enjoying the game, then it won't matter to me when I commit or how I get there.

Considering the dynasty that you guys had as a program when you arrived, would it be a little disappointing to not get at least one more county championship and maybe even a state title before you graduate?
It will. Definitely our goal is to get that championship. I think I speak for all of us when I say we don't want to settle for less than a state championship. To some of our opponents that may seem far fetched to them, but like I said, I have complete faith that we can do it. I know that each and every one of us wants it so bad. I don't want to settle for anything less than that. We can put up the fight. We can compete and we will. We definitely want to get at least one more —maybe two. I think two.