The JP Stevens Girls Soccer team has had a remarkable season with a record of 10-10 and a record of 7-5 in the white division, which is more wins than the previous three seasons. This is also the first season in over 10 years that the team has garnered over 10 wins in a season. Led by captains, Naisha Patel, Kristen Whitney, and Sophia Chessere, the team has had huge wins over South Brunswick, North Brunswick, Woodbridge, Piscataway, Cartaret, and St. Thomas Aquinas. Amazingly their average margin of victory in these games was 3 goals.

The JP Stevens Girls Soccer Team is not short of talent, as their forwards have been as some of the best in New Jersey. According to nj.com, sophomore Jaslyn Chen, sophomore Neha Thota, and senior Sophia Chessere have consistently been recorded as stat leaders in all categories, including assists and goals. The team also has a impressive back line with senior Kristen Whitney and sophomore Shruthi Srinivasan who hold down the back field with their clenching defense.

The team is bolstered by its strong seniors. Pranika Kalluru, Naisha Patel, Sonal Tanneeru, Kristen Whitney, and Sophia Chessere have faced many trials and tribulations through their time on the JPS Girls Soccer team, including a new head coach and being moved to the white division. Both captains Naisha and Sophia feel as though the friendship and connection between the teammates has led to the team’s accomplishments on the field. Sophia said, “I think we all really come together on the field to give our best effort and show up for our teammates.”

 Naisha reiterated this message, stating, “Being more connected as teammates and friends, and remaining a united front, are probably the biggest factors that have helped us achieve our wins.”

The team would not be able to succeed without the help of their coaches. Both Coach Marc Gesualdo and Coach Katelyn Clemens have commended the team for playing together and their natural soccer talent which they feel has led them to their success on the field this season. Coach Gesualdo and Coach Clemens this season become a team that is able to hold their own against formidable competition. “What I admire most about this team is that they accepted my challenge to ‘play for one another’ and they have honestly and sincerely done that,” said Coach Gesualdo. “That attitude, along with a terrific passing game and the ability to switch fields impressively and win the ball often, has led to their on-field success.” Coach Clemens added, “Their strong sense of camaraderie naturally fosters a positive environment which is what leads to so much success on the soccer field.”

This season has been one of the best for the team in recent years, and they are on the way to bigger things with both GMC and state tournaments around the corner. The team is excited to show their skills on a larger stage and hope to end this amazing season on a high note.