MIFC players volunteer to retrieve balls during the MIHS Girls Varsity soccer team home games, keeping the ball in play. The MIHS Varsity coaches and players host a Game Day Experience for one ball kid chosen randomly from all volunteers. Arielle Thornton from Francois Delafosse’s GU10 select team was the lucky winner this year! Arielle warmed up with the team for the October 22 match against Lake Washington, sat with players on the bench and in the half time huddle, and received a soccer ball signed by all MIHS Varsity Players and Coaches.
“The players look forward to the Game Day Experience,” says Head Coach James Valles. “It is one of the few times a player can do a little reflection during the season and I believe they truly see the experience for what it is and that is to mentor, inspire, and give back to the community.”
Molly Fort, MIFC coordinator of the program, admits that “getting kids to sign up for retrieving balls during home games has been an easy task. They are one of a few non-players allowed on the field and witness competitive soccer close up, receive hot chocolate from the booster club, hand out cookies to the varsity team and get a photo opportunity with the team. Coaches and players are grateful to the ball kids. Volunteers almost always ask if they can sign more than once a season."
Arielle claimed her favorite parts of the Game Day Experience were warming up with the team, watching the game together on the bench, and participating in the locker room pep talk. She commented how well the team works together and is excited about someday joining the team. We expect to soon see Arielle’s name listed on the MIHS Varsity team roster. “Arielle is a very competitive player, a forward minded player,” says Coach Delafosse. “[She’s] very tenacious!”
