Nov. 14, 2023
By Alexandra Lourenço
Editor
Senior Elise Ferschweiler cannot remember a time when soccer was not part of her life. At the age of four, she stepped onto the field for the first time as a KinderKicker, and now she has completed her final season as a captain on LHS’ soccer team.
A four-year varsity member and three-year starter, Ferschweiler was one of the team’s top scorers. On Sept. 26, she was recognized as Athlete of the Week by The Observer, and she is setting her sights on making first-team all-league and playing soccer in college.
Ferschweiler said being captain helped her grow as an athlete and leader.
“It’s forced me to open my mouth more, and talk on the field and direct other people like the freshmen,” Ferschweiler said.
She said she developed a lot since last season when she struggled with nerves.
“I decided that I am not going to step down from taking [penalty kicks] or taking those chances anymore, and I think that it has helped the team and pushed us to get more goals,” Ferschweiler said.
“If you do something good, she will congratulate you…. and if you make a mistake, she helps you out.”
She said her biggest supporter is her mom. Ferschweiler said whenever she steps on the field for a game, she tries to make her mom proud.
“She comes to all of my games… and I love knowing that she is on the sidelines watching me,” Ferschweiler said.
Ferschweiler said playing soccer has taught her life lessons.
“Having dedication and working hard is a big part of soccer that I can take with me in my life,” Ferschweiler said. “It’s a lot of work, and it’s a big commitment when you join a team and it really gives you discipline.”
Freshman Emma Marnik, who joined varsity this year, said Ferschweiler set an example for her teammates.
“She always helps out, she’s a nice person and she’s someone you can look up to,” Marnik said. “If you do something good, she will congratulate you…. and if you make a mistake, she helps you out.”
Marnik said Ferschweiler’s upbeat nature and passion for the game contributed to her enjoyment as a team member.
“She’s a positive person, and you can [see] that soccer is something that she wants to do,” Marnik said.
Head Coach Hykey, who coached Ferschweiler for all four years of high school, said Ferschweiler has always been modest, quiet and shy, but this season, she was excellent at making sure her teammates stayed on task and did what was expected of them.
“She’s somebody that the girls look to as a senior, as a captain, as a leader. She’s a genuinely good person, and she’s a role model for them,” Hykey said. “She impacts the team more than she even realizes.”
Hykey said Ferschweiler was usually the last person at practice or at a game, as she was tasked with collecting items her teammates may have forgotten.
Hykey said Ferschweiler was not just a good leader but a good student and athlete.
“She’s one of our most talented players. She’s one of our fastest players,” Hykey said.
She said Ferschweiler’s skills as a defender transferred into her offensive play, which energized the team.
“Our offense has been inconsistent, but Elise has not been,” Hykey said.
Hykey said she has high hopes for Ferschweiler’s career as a college athlete.
“I’d like to see her… continue to make that impact on the field and be a game changer,” Hykey said. “I’m very proud of her. I think being a captain means a lot to her, and she’s really thrived in that role.”
