The Bakersfield College women’s soccer team seems to have figured out how to create that perfect balance of chemistry and competition. The Renegades have an 8-2 record through Sept. 29 despite the fact that there are a number of new faces this season.
“We’re off to a good start. It definitely has a lot to do with the level of experience we have this year compared with years past. Many of these girls have a history of playing together, so that definitely helps,” said BC head soccer coach Scott Dameron.
BC is currently in third place in the Western State Conference and must finish in either first or second place in order to make the conference finals. Their chances look bright, and if they keep it up, they have a good chance to the finals. Although Dameron makes clears that he “is not to be misunderstood, we [they] are here to win,” he also emphasizes the progress of the team and its unity over victories.
“I’m not really trying to focus on wins and losses, but more on the process and progress of the team. They [the team] bust their humps every single game but still have a blast while doing it,” Dameron said.
With the loss of a number of players due to injuries, the team has banded together and moved forward.
“This team has a good balance of what it takes to do well. We’ve had a number of players who have already been taken out due to injury, yet this strong group of girls does whatever it takes to get the job done,” Dameron said.
Dameron also explained that he believed that playing a sport goes beyond just playing the game. Clearly, Dameron believes that a plethora of lifelong lessons can be derived through “the game,” and that it is a good metaphor for how to live life.
“Any life lesson that you would ever be required to learn, you can learn through playing sports. Playing a sport teaches a person responsibility, how to deal with failure, and how to work with others as a team to get things done,” Dameron said.
It is clear to see that this winning streak is not one that will be short lived.
“Their potential for success and where they can go is unlimited. It’s a matter of how much they’re willing to give and work together as a team. We’re trying to get everyone to understand their job on the field in order to improve our overall performance as a team,” Dameron said.
“This team is a lot of fun. If you do the little things when no one’s watching, that’s what counts. Only then will the results come.”