While most spring sports teams have put away their jerseys and equipment until next year, soccer will bring out its gear earlier than usual next year as the team moves to the winter season.

“In general, almost all the soccer leagues are moving to the winter season so that there can be a state championship similar to other sports,” Athletics Director Elena DeSantis said. “We have decided that now is the right time to take the move because we have great coaches, a solid team, and are looking to give girls more sports opportunities in the winter in addition to basketball and wrestling, which we have had in the past.”

The winter soccer league currently includes bigger and stronger teams, which will further challenge the Convent team, according to sophomore Mira White.

“The teams in the winter season are generally considered ‘better teams,’” White said. “The league is made up of some bigger schools like University and Lick, and therefore there are more students who could be a part of the team and thus a higher chance of more experienced players.”

Athletes are required to choose either basketball or soccer in order to be fully committed to the teams, according to DeSantis.

“To be part of a team students have to be there as much as possible, and athletes would not be able to split that time fairly for each team,” DeSantis said. “It is going to be a hard choice, but eventually everyone will have to make a decision of what they are going to do.”

White who has played basketball in winter and soccer in spring is finding the decision difficult.

“I have been playing both basketball and soccer my whole entire life, so it is going to be very hard for me to choose between the two sports,” White said. “Whether I play soccer or not, it’s going to be a more competitive year, and so it’s really going to push the team to be better and show everyone what we are truly capable of.”

Other players, such as junior Amelia Estes, say they are excited to move the sport to winter.

“I have seen the same type of teams for three straight years and I’m ready to see what we can do with some new teams next year,” Estes said. “I am continuing to play soccer because I love the sport and I love the people on the team. I think that everyone should at least come to a day of tryouts to see if they like soccer as well.”

Estes says she notices a supportive and hardworking energy in the team, and hopes that the switch to the winter season allows more girls to join.

“I think that we had our ups and downs this season, especially with key players being injured,” Estes said. “But in the end, I think we persevered and came together as a team. I’m lucky to be part of such a great group of girls.”