Ask Ilwaco soccer players why they play and every one will say “fun.” The camaraderie is evident among, left to right, Emily Hernandez Ortega, Hayzel Sager, Chloe Emerson, Sophia Bittner, Kaitlyn Banuet and Juliet Perez as they go on a conditioning run around the practice area before drills to improve ball control and passing skills.

Andrew Goodwin has led Ilwaco High School soccer programs since they began.

And on a misty morning, the coach is diligent in strapping on his own shin pads — his players practice with zeal. “I’m very excited for this upcoming season,” he said.

He sends his squad on a conditioning run around the field, then arranges them in pairs for ball control and passing drills around orange cones. When the ball bobbles up, he demonstrates how to keep the trajectory low by concentrating where on the ball the foot should strike. Just like professionals, they absorb one- and two-touch skills.

Hayzel Sager speaks for them all.

“I love my teammates,” the center-midfielder said. “We are best friends, and Goodwin is fun to be around. He is a good coach!”

The squad is gearing up to kick off the fall season on their home field Sept. 6.

The roster includes six seniors: Abbie Williams, Chloe Emerson, Kaitlyn Banuet, Karen Moreno-Diaz, Emily Hernandez Ortega, and Elizabeth Madrigal Ruiz.

Sager has played for five years, with this being her third year on varsity. Her sophomore class is well represented. Long-time player Juliet Perez will handle goalkeeping duties, although Goodwin said he is looking for others to step up and take their turn because Perez is such a strong outfield player.

Sophia Bittner, whose speedy 5-8 presence is a highlight of the Fishermen basketball program, has switched from volleyball. Her older sister, Dominique, was a keen Ilwaco soccer player. “I chose soccer to get in shape for basketball,” Sophia said, “and it is fun.”

Classmates Eden Savelio and Jacquelyne Alburto Diaz are on the team. Savelio is new, persuaded by her friends to give the sport a try.

Goodwin is in his fifth season as head coach. He leads the boys squad also, which plays in the spring.

The season kicks off at home Sept. 6 hosting Ocosta, the first of six games in September, and runs through Oct. 25 with a trip to Toutle Lake. As always, all announced games are subject to change.

“Looking at our schedule, I expect Adna and Kalama to be two of our most challenging opponents,” Goodwin said.

For team members, camaraderie prevails. Banuet, a left midfielder, is in her third year. “I like playing and having fun, and making new connections with people,” she said.

IHS Girls Soccer

Sept. 6 Ocosta (h)

Sept. 11 King’s Way Christian, Vancouver (a)

Sept. 14 Astoria (h)

Sept. 19 Hoquiam (a)

Sept. 25 Onalaska (a)

Sept. 27 Ocosta (a)

Oct. 2 Toledo (h)

Oct. 4 Adna (a)

Oct. 7 Tenino (a)

Oct. 9 Winlock (h)

Oct. 11 South Bend (a)

Oct. 16 Forks (h)

Oct. 18 Napavine (h)

Oct. 19 Centralia (a)

Oct. 23 Kalama (h)

Oct. 25 Toutle Lake (a)

All schedules subject to change