Seniors Kalayah Olivera (left) and Giana Boscaro (right) stand strong on the field after securing a win. Photo courtesy of Boscaro.
With a new season beginning, San Luis Obispo High School Girls Varsity Soccer team is looking to its senior leaders to set the tone both on and off the field. This year, seniors Sydney Rodriguez, Giana Boscaro, and Kalayah Olivera step into their final season with excitement, experience, and determination.
They shared their goals, motivations, and what they hope to accomplish in their final year at San Luis Obispo High School with Expressions.
Expressions: How did you start playing soccer?
Senior Giana Boscaro: I got started playing soccer before I could even walk. My dad had always coached high school and club teams, and he got me into it by coaching every team I played on.
Senior Kalayah Olivera: I started playing when I was around six years old and played AYSO. When I moved to SLO, I joined CCU.
Expressions: What position do you play and how would you describe your role on the team?
Boscaro: I play center forward and center back. My role on the team is to be a leader and connect the team.
Senior Sydney Rodriguez: I am a goalie and it’s a pretty big role on the team. In my opinion it is one of the hardest positions to play.
Expressions: What has been a highlight of the beginning of the season?
Boscaro: The highlight of my season so far would be playing Paso Robles High School and winning our first game. We have a strong team this year so it was nice to see how we all worked together to get the win.
Olivera: Definitely the Buchanan tournament because it is a very high-level tournament with really good teams. Since we are a brand new team with new freshmen and sophomores, we are still figuring out how we play and our identity as a team. Overall, I think we did really well because we made it to the finals.
Expressions: How do you usually prepare before a game?
Rodriguez: I warm up with the other goalkeeper and I mentally prepare by taking some time to myself to envision my success in the game.
Olivera: I have a “look good play good” mentality so I love to do my hair before games which makes me play better, but I also connect with my teammates by listening to music and listening to a seventeen minute meditation video to prepare for the game.
Expressions: How would you describe your experience playing for SLOHS?
Boscaro: My experience playing for SLOHS has been great and has taught me so much. The best part about the team would be the community built around it and how much we focus on team bonding.
Rodriguez: It’s been a pretty fun experience, but it’s also sometimes a bit stressful. I got pulled up for CIF and state last season which was a little stressful and I didn’t get much playing time but I still gave it my best effort.
Expressions: How has being on the team throughout high school helped you grow as a player or as a person?
Boscaro: Being on the team has helped me by giving me a community I feel a part of. It has taught me how to time manage, it’s taught me perseverance and grit, as well as teaching me how to be a leader.
Olivera: I’ve had different coaches every year and each coach has pushed me to grow and learn new things. I’ve grown mentally, and I’ve grown my relationships with my teammates.
Expressions: What are some highlights or struggles you’ve had throughout your high school career?
Boscaro: One of my biggest highlights was last year scoring the game-winning goal that moved us into the semifinals of CIF. It was a season changing moment and being able to be one of the reasons our team made it to the championship was a once in a lifetime experience.
Rodriguez: During my first two years I had some self doubt. As a goalkeeper I never thought I was good enough to be on the team.
Olivera: My favorite highlight was last season because we had a lot of away tournaments, which bonded us as a team. We went very far in our tournaments and made it to state. In the intense games that we’ve played with game winning goals, the energy is unmatched.
Expressions: Do you have any goals for the rest of the season?
Boscaro: My goal for the rest of the season is to win league and lead the team to a title. Personally, I want to build the team’s character and develop a strong connection and core in the program.
Olivera: I’ve always been a competitive player who was hard on myself, but as of this year, it’s not the sport that I’m focused most on, so my goal is to just have fun on and off the field.
As the Tigers kick off the rest of their season, seniors Boscaro, Rodriguez, and Olivera step up as leaders to help their team. Each of them brings something different to the field, whether it’s leadership, experience, or dedication.
With this being their final year as a Tiger, they are determined to make every game count and leave a lasting impact on the program.
