“Be Savage.”
Two simple words, but they speak volumes in the Redmond High girls soccer lexicon when they take the field this season.
Heidi Metzger, one of the Mustangs’ senior tri-captains, said first-year coach Stacy Masters supplied the team mantra.
“We just really want to be aggressive and get after it. It’s basically about giving it our all and not giving up, to keep striving after what we want,” said defender Metzger, noting that the Mustangs are also a classy bunch of players.
Redmond displayed that game plan in its preseason victories over Stanwood (2-0) and Cascade (3-0) with goals from senior Isabelle Cherrington, junior Monet Marshall, sophomores Nicki Chan and Natalie Daub and freshman Maria Tauber.
Freshman Jessica Quenneville is the Mustangs’ starting goalkeeper and coach Masters said the youngster is a hard worker and confident in her ability.
“I think we have the potential to do really great things. We have some really good freshmen, so that will be good for years to come. I’m just excited for this year to see how it plays out,” said Cherrington, a tri-captain, defender and fourth-year varsity player. “As long as we play our game, keep the ball on the ground, I think we’ll be pretty solid this year.”
Added Masters of her team, which finished 4-10 last season: “They’re really strong. They play with a lot of grit and a lot of heart. We’re really looking to work on the chemistry to go with the talent, to hopefully create something cohesive and special here so that they can make postseason. It’s a huge goal.”
Senior midfielder Grace Getchell — also a fourth-year varsity player and tri-captain — admits to being shy as a freshman, but she’s progressed into a confident player who aims to play a big role for the Mustangs this season.
“I would like to be a force on the team, yet still someone that people can talk to and not be too intimidated of,” she said. “We work really hard, but at the same time, we enjoy it.”
Cherrington pitched in, noting that Getchell has a calm voice and keeps the Mustangs focused. Both girls know each other well, coming into the Redmond program young and tasting a 4A Kingco championship during their first season.
For Metzger, it’s her first year on varsity and she’s excited to be at the next level and playing alongside a diligent squad.
Redmond is a lively team, as well, as evidenced from the players’ laughter before Monday’s practice and notching the spirit award at last Sunday’s Make A Wish 5K at Marymoor Park.
“They were there encouraging the walkers (and) made signs for kids who had wishes,” said Masters, whose husband, Brad, is the Mustangs’ assistant coach. “That’s very positive to be a part of something like that in the community. These girls probably received more than they gave.”
Before taking the Redmond head-coaching reins, Masters helmed the girls junior-varsity squad at Lake Washington High for seven years. She played select ball as a kid, was on the Sammamish High varsity squad and nowadays plays on a women’s recreational team and a co-ed squad with her husband.
Masters’ goal is for Redmond to play strong, competitive soccer in a positive environment.
“It’s not just about what we’re doing here, but what we do here can be bigger and transfer into what they do in the classroom. It can transfer to what they do in college and beyond that,” she said.
