Abbi Gibbs and Clarisa Marcano are on the final stretch of their senior year, closing in on their last moments of high school.
Both of us have been part of the Concordia co-op soccer team all four years. We still remember walking into our first practice freshman year, not knowing anyone except each other. Because Concordia dismissed at 3:10 and practice started at 4:00, the Brownell-Talbot players were late every single day. On the first day of tryouts, we walked into the gym to a room full of unfamiliar faces staring at us, and we were immediately told to run the beep test—alone, in front of the entire team. In that moment, we knew we were going to leave a lasting impression on Concordia soccer.
Being part of Concordia soccer as Brownell students meant being thrown straight into the fire. We were never formally introduced, and some teammates didn’t even know what school we attended by the end of the freshman season. As newcomers, we had to make a name for ourselves. Instead of being overlooked, we pushed ourselves to build relationships and find our place in a community that was completely unfamiliar at first.
Over time, things began to change. Practice schedules became more reasonable, and the dynamic between Concordia and Brownell-Talbot evolved. What once felt like two separate groups slowly became one unified team—“BT-Concordia” instead of just a co-op. The relationships we built extended beyond the field, as we began supporting each other at different sports and events throughout the year.
Now, as we approach the end of our high school soccer careers, we reflect on the impact we hope to leave behind. The 2026 season is still unfolding, and we are the last seniors the program will have until 2028. This season has already brought unexpected challenges. Abbi, a key player, is currently sidelined with an injury and has stepped into a new role as a leader on the sidelines rather than on the field. She hopes that by guiding and encouraging younger players, she can pass down skills and lessons that will carry on through future teams.
Looking back, freshman year stands out as a highlight. The team’s talent and chemistry led us all the way to the district finals against Mercy. But over time, we’ve realized that it wasn’t just the wins or the level of play that mattered most—it was the memories we created and the relationships we built that truly define Concordia soccer.
Concordia has become a second home to us. Our connection to the school goes beyond the soccer season—from attending their basketball games to inviting teammates to our own homecoming events. What started as a co-op has grown into something more like a sibling relationship, built on years of shared experiences and genuine connections that extend far beyond the field.
As Abbi and I near the end of our Senior season, we’ve come to realize how grateful we are for the opportunity to make new connections through a sport we love. Our friendships have expanded beyond the BT community, and our bond has grown even stronger. I can say with no hesitation that our connection will last a lifetime. Concordia soccer fosters friendships, memories, and so much more, creating a lasting impact on our adolescence.
