Varsity soccer player and new team captain Paige Balducci (10) is a high-achieving star player; offering her leadership skills and strength to the team, she shows her capabilities as an amazing team player and outstanding scholar at Aliso Niguel High School.
Balducci has been playing soccer since she was three years old and joined the varsity team her freshman year of high school. She plays center mid on the Aliso girl’s soccer team and was recently offered the position of team captain this season.
Balducci says, “As a captain I lead my team on the field during games and at practices including leading warm-ups and often relaying my coach’s messages to the rest of the players. During games, the referees often tell me that I have to talk to the team or communicate for the team if anyone has anything to say.”
A good team captain not only speaks with words, but also with actions. They look out for their fellow players before, during and after the game. As one of three team captains, Balducci encourages teammates to keep heading toward their goals.
Balducci says, “Managing my time is very important to ensure my success on and off the field. Usually I set a good chunk of time aside to focus solely on schoolwork and I also take advantage of class time to get my work done.”
While facing the challenges of soccer, Balducci is able to manage her workload while maintaining outstanding grades. She currently has a 4.7 GPA and takes 4 honors or AP courses.
As a varsity soccer player, Balducci practices five days a week with two of the days during the season being game days. Practices typically range from one hour to two hours depending on how tough games are and what she and her team need to work on.
Emily Trapp (11) a teammate says, “Paige leads by example as she is a really great soccer player and is always working super hard. She also leads by being inspirational and gives super great speeches; she is definitely someone that everyone on the team looks up to and has the deepest respect for.”
As team captain, Paige takes on the role of being a strong role model for her teammates. Through her constant positivity, the team succeeds.
Team bonding also takes place off the playing field; during season two, teammates gather together and have pasta parties, a beloved tradition that encourages teammate connection while providing the perfect occasion to eat good before a big game or meet.
Balducci says, “I had to grow into the position of captain and learn a lot so it definitely was a struggle at first. My team is so easy to lead and we all have a mutual respect for each other, so it has gotten a lot easier and I’m glad that I can be captain.”
In the near future, Balducci hopes to win league and to win CIF with her teammates.
She may be young, but Paige Balducci is more than capable in guiding her teammates to great successes.
