Players stretch, managers gather, and cleats scrape against the turf as the Bowie girls soccer team gets in position for kickoff. The laughter dies down as the first whistle blows. What follows is ninety minutes of pure focus and endurance.
This 2026 season, with the Bulldogs holding a 3-6 overall record, marks a new chapter as the team is rebuilding after fifteen seniors graduated. According to head coach Carrie Hoffman-Howell the Bowie Girls Soccer program is intent on teaching student-athletes the importance of accountability and sportsmanship.
“Bowie Girls Soccer is a community. It is a group of people passionate about soccer, and we support one another through school, sports, and life,” Hoffman-Howell said. “I hope the team forms lifelong bonds with one another and shows that while winning soccer games.”
Sophomore Anna Young, the only underclassmen on the team has embraced the challenge of being the youngest to compete at varsity level. She credits her improved ball skill and composure to playing alongside juniors and seniors.
“Being the only sophomore on varsity is really fun because I get to play with the seniors and juniors for at least a year or two,” Young said. “Playing on this team has influenced me both on and off the field by making sure I do my best, no matter what I am doing or where I am.”
At the beginning of every season, the varsity players vote on who’s going to lead them throughout the year. This decision is based on qualities such as dedication, communication, and leadership.
“A captain is someone that the coach can rely on to help communicate with the team, or to lead the team on the field. Also, someone who can report back to the coach when something is of concern with the team,” Hoffman-Howell said. “This year’s captains have great personalities that really pump up the energy of the team. Plus, they are smart, funny, and great leaders.”
As reported by Girls Soccer Network, balancing academics and athletics can be mentally exhausting for students. That is why a captain’s job is beyond just communicating with their teammates during games; according to senior captain Marley Downs, it’s about motivating and helping players off and on the field.
“Over the past few years I have learned to get my priorities straight, sometimes I have to sacrifice hanging out with my friends or scrolling on my phone for studying or if I have practice I’ll cancel plans,” Downs said. “As captain I have had to learn to find collaborative and efficient ways to communicate directions to the team but in a respectful way.”
Junior Aili Billick, known for her 1v1 skills and midfield mindset, believes the team has already shown improvement. After scoring five goals last season, she is excited for more offensive opportunities and a chance at playoffs.
“I think this season we have already shown a lot of growth from the start, and been able to connect more as a team through each scrimmage we’ve played,” Billick said. “On the field, playing on this team has given me the opportunity to be more of an attacking player and grow my love for the game while playing attacking mid, whereas in club I play outside back.”
Soccer, often referred to as football around the world, is a sport built on communication, strategy, and the utilization of the eleven players on the field at all times. Hoffman-Howell believes that the key to success within the sport is often through consistently and teamwork rather than individual talent.
“Many people like goal scorers or flashy players, but to a coach, a person stands out that is always in good positioning, making the game simple, and true team players,” Hoffman-Howell said. “A team stands out when they can keep possession and discipline to work the ball as a team down the field.”
Currently fifth in district, the Bulldogs continue to focus on building chemistry. As the Lady ‘Dawgs continue their season, they have high hopes for playoffs and acknowledge the challenge of having a younger roster.
“I think the most challenging part so far has been getting comfortable with the new team because of the amount of seniors that left,” Billick said. “However, I think the team has done an amazing job so far in building a dynamic, despite the big change.”
