Jingle Bell Classic

After months of anticipation and waiting, the day had finally arrived for me to rejoin the soccer team for the annual Jingle Bell Classic. Before Christmas break, this yearly event invites family and friends to come support the soccer programs! The women’s team plays a match at 5 p.m. followed by the men’s team at 7 p.m. The home games build excitement about the soccer season as our district season approaches in January.

Because of football’s exciting playoff run and the cheer team’s incredible State Championship win, I had yet to participate in soccer pre-season games. With my last game being the State Championship match in March, I was eager to join my teammates and best friends back on the pitch to kick off my junior season. 

To prepare for the game, I gave myself plenty of time to get ready, do my lucky hairstyle of a bubble braid and get excited with my teammates before warmups. The team took the field together to stretch and warm up for the game. Before we knew it, it was game time, and 10 of my teammates and I ran onto the field ready and excited. 

The whistle blew, and within seconds our team gained possession of the ball. To start strong, we initiated our offensive drive, playing the ball from Madison Kalife ‘26, center midfielder, out wide to Syriah DeBakey ‘26, right wing, and up the line to Peyton Walsh ‘26, forward. Peyton received the ball and began a pursuit up the line. When she saw the open shot, she took it, and SBS was up 1-0 in the first minute of the game. The team and fans erupted in celebration, knowing this would be a great game. 

We went on to score nine more goals, winning the game with a shutout score of 10-0. The victory boosted team morale and built confidence as we prepare for our district season in January. In hopes of returning to the State Championship and bringing home a state title, we are growing team chemistry, training hard and staying focused on the goal at hand!

Written by Communications Fellow, Carson Patterson '27