Many athletes play for the love of the game and the love of their teammates. Some athletes are fortunate enough to play the sport they love throughout high school and college. On November 10, Xavier High School held its first signing day of the school year. A new chapter begins for three Xavier soccer girls. Seniors Mary Clare Bean and Aly Wiesenhofer are continuing their academic and soccer career at Loras College. Brielle Bastian will continue her academic and soccer career at Mount Mercy College. All girls have played club soccer at Cedar Rapids Soccer Association (CRSA) ball for 13 years, which has helped them grow into the players they are today. Playing soccer year round helps them stay in shape and be ready when high school season comes in the spring. “The coaching staff at Xavier only really gets a week or two in preseason to get the team ready and we place a lot of trust in the group to come in at peak physical level,” Xavier Girls Soccer Head Coach Chris Higgins said. “Aly and MC [Mary Clare] are great role models to the group in making sure we are prepared.” Xavier alumni Karly Weiss (X21) and Paige Diebold (X18) also continued their soccer and academic careers at Loras. The chemistry built in Xavier soccer team’s past seasons will continue for Wiesenhofer and Bean, as well as help with their transitions to college level soccer. “I think it’s so awesome that I’ll be playing with another teammate from Xavier at Loras,” Bean said. “I think having those ‘ins’ will help with creating new chemistry with them and the other girls on the team.” Losing in the quarterfinals last season to Waverly Shell Rock has only made these girls more determined for this upcoming season. The seniors are looking forward to one more season at Xavier and hope to grab a state title. “I know the senior class in particular wants to heal from last season losing in the quarterfinals of state to Waverly Shell Rock,” Higgins said. “They are motivated and are going to come out swinging one last time.” Come out and support the girls soccer team when they take on their soccer season in the spring.