WEST POINT, Ala. — Last season was a special one for the West Point Lady Warriors, finishing with a school-record number of wins and junior Gigi Metrock talked about what she learned during that run last season.
“I feel very proud of how our last season went. I truly love my team and wouldn’t trade them for anything. This past season, we had the most wins for any West Point girls soccer team ever. This team has taught me what it is really like to be a part of something you love with your whole heart. This season, I learned how to play a brand-new position. While playing defense, you have to learn how to work with the girls around you,” Metrock said. “Sydney was the best partner I could’ve ever asked for in center back. She helped me learn so much. I also learned what it is like to have a truly amazing coach. I wouldn’t trade coach Whitesell for anything in the world. He is truly one of the most amazing and caring people I have ever met. He is there for us whenever we need him. I can confidently say that he has made a difference in all of our lives.”
Gigi has gotten the chance to play with some amazing girls during her time on varsity so far and has soaked up as much as she can from her.
“Playing with a great group of girls makes everything so much more fun. I don’t have a sister, but being on this team, makes it feel like I have 20. We are all close and are willing to help one another with anything; it is truly amazing,” Metrock said. “I have been a part of this team since seventh grade and they have truly helped shape me as a person. They have helped me teach me how to deal with things like drama, how to work as a team, how to stand for what I believe in, and so much more.”
Gigi has learned so much from not only coach Whitesell, but from last year’s seniors as well.
“He is one of the most amazing people I have ever met. He has taught me to help others without expecting anything in return, to work hard, even when I didn’t want to, always try to win, but never forget to have fun,” she said. “Last year’s seniors were the best team captains I could’ve asked for. From Kyli, I learned to laugh at my mistakes and then learn from them. From Kaedince, I learned to try my hardest, and from Sydney, I learned to ‘Use It’. Use every opportunity I am given both on and off the field.”
Gigi has seen her performance drastically improve over the years and will continue to work on a very important thing before next season gets underway.
“The team was so new when I was in seventh grade, I had to play varsity goalie, because I didn’t even know how to kick the ball. Now, going into 11th grade, I can do everything, from blocking a goal, to scoring a point. I have learned to play every position,” she said. “I will continue to work on my leadership skills in hopes of supporting my teammates the way the seniors and girls before them supported me.”
Gigi kept the goals for this upcoming season short and sweet. She talked about what will make this team special to watch and a sweet moment that happened last season.
“Honestly, I want to have fun and enjoy the game, but I do love to win,” she said. “If we are winning by three or four points, instead of dominating, our coach will use it as an opportunity to let the younger girls get playing time and allow some of us to try new positions. We had a tournament in the spring and the other team did not have any subs. Because the win would not change any of the tournament scores and the other team was exhausted, at the half, coach let me play for the other team and both teams just got to have fun and enjoyed the game.”
Gigi shared some of the best advice that someone ever gave her. She was so happy to see West Point have a great season.
“My mom always taught me that taking chances can be scary, but regardless of the outcome, certain chances are worth the learning experience,” she said. “Our season was exciting, and I am very proud of how our team has grown, but I remember the experience and fun over wins and losses.”
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