Oaks does the little things for Falcons

by Matthew Ondesko: Managing Editor

Everyone remembers their first varsity goal.

For Frontier High School soccer player Sophia Oaks her goal came at the most important time. With her team battling in the playoffs last year against West Seneca West, Oaks got on the score sheet.

Oaks was tasked to take the penalty kick. Not too much pressure for someone who never scored a varsity goal before. Oaks stepped up to the mark, blocked out all the noise, and calmly fired the ball into the back the net.

It’s a memory she will take with her for the rest of her soccer career.

“The PK I scored last year against West was a confidence booster for sure,” stated Oaks. “That was also my first varsity goal. It made me realize I'm not just a girl on the team but I could also make a difference.”.

It also gave her the confidence she needed in herself. It showed that she could be more than just a box to box player in the midfielder. It showed that she can step up in the big moments when called upon.

That goal last season gave her the much needed confidence coming into her senior season. No matter the circumstances Oaks’ teammates have always been there for her. They were hyping her up that night as she was stepping up the mark to take the kick.

“For all the years I have been on varsity my coaches and team have been nothing but supportive. They have given me the confidence I needed to score that goal,” stated Oaks. “My team hyped me up while I was on the line waiting for my turn to run up to the PK spot. The pressure I felt in that moment was insane but I know I would be supported whatever the outcome would be.”

The goal, the playoff game, is just one thing Oaks will take way from her time with Frontier. When Oaks celebrated senior night, it was everything she had dreamed of since her sophomore year.

Being able to be honored for what she brought to her team on and off the field was a special feeling. It was a culmination of a great three years on the varsity team.

“Memories that I will take from Frontier are making lifelong friends, football games, dances, and playing varsity soccer,” stated Oaks. “Senior Night was everything I dreamed of. From waking up that morning to stepping off the field that night was surreal. I waited for that night since sophomore year. My emotions were up and down because I felt the nerves going into the game and the excitement the game brought me.”

Her soccer career had come full circle as Oaks was named a captain this season. Being named a captain was an honor that Oaks didn’t take lightly. Oaks make sure she welcomed the younger girls, and showed them what it was like to play at this level.

She was also an extension of the coach on the field. Taking what the coaches showed them in practice and making sure the rest of her teammates where following the game plan.

“I am proud to have been chosen to lead my team. I did my best by welcoming the younger girls that joined this year and showed them during pre season what it will feel like to play at this advanced level of soccer,” stated Oaks. “It is very important to be an extension of the coach. It’s been an honor communicating with my teammates in regards to what we need to do as a team during practice and games.”

On the pitch, Oaks did whatever the coaches asked her to do. She was the ultimate team player as Oaks played all over the midfield during her time with the Falcons. She was a holding midfielder, meaning she as the grinder in the midfield.

Oaks was the glue that kept the midfield together. Being a holding mid meant she was either supporting the forwards or making the hard crunching tackles. The position was a physical one, one that Oaks didn’t mind playing - and putting in the work.

“Playing all over the midfield has given me the confidence to be able to play where my coach needed me at any given moment. Overall, I am a better player because of the versatility,” stated Oaks. “Playing holding mid really changes my outlook on the field. As a holding mid it is your duty to defend and attack so playing there it tends to be a more physical position. It’s a part of the game so you just start to get used to it.”

As her time comes to an end, Oaks is ready for the next chapter of her life. She is in the process of looking for the college that is the right fit for, and is looking to grow as a person over the next four years.

“Moving into the next chapter of my life is kind of scary,” stated Oaks. “I’m very excited to look at colleges and see where my best fit is. I know I’m going to love whatever I decide to do and grow as a person.”