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09/13/2017 12:00 AMBeing a defensive specialist in soccer isn’t always the most glorious job since there aren’t many stats that demonstrate how an effective defender contributes to a squad. However, that doesn’t really bother Valley Regional senior Sydney Suedmeier. Sydney loves jockeying for position with her opponents to get the ball out of her team’s zone, and she’s felt that way from the moment she started playing soccer in travel leagues at age 10. Now a captain for the Warriors, Sydney knows that she’ll be relied on to do more than just defend well this year; she will also be a leading voice on the team.
“I’ve always been a defensive player, but I didn’t start playing center until middle school. I’m pretty proud of the fact that I’m in my third year as a starting center back,” says Sydney, an Essex resident. “I love to lead this team. I think Valley has an awesome program. I was involved in the school’s athletics when I was in middle school. I love the atmosphere.”
As a center back, Sydney has a great view of the action in front of her throughout the game. After helping Valley post a solid season last fall, Sydney wants to continue contributing to the Warriors’ success, regardless of whether her efforts show up on the stat sheet. Sydney knows that she has to out-think her opponents, in addition to outplaying them physically, in order to make a maximum impact.
“A lot of being a center back is not just being physical on the field, but knowing and understanding the sport and the tactical side of soccer,” Sydney says. “It’s important as the season goes forward, as a captain, that I voice that knowledge when we’re on the field, and we play cohesively and make good decisions with the ball.”
One of Sydney’s favorite parts of playing defense is contesting opposing foes as they charge down the field. On the other hand, Sydney also likes the rush that comes with getting involved in the offensive attack.
“I’ve always enjoyed slide tackles and defensive physical play, but I also like to go up for [corner kicks]. I’ve had a lot of fun with it in the past,” says Sydney. “I scored off a corner kick in states in my sophomore year, and that’s one of my best memories. It feels so great to help my team, and especially when I can get some offense.”
Valley girls’ soccer Head Coach Lloyd Warren presented Sydney with the team’s Defensive Player of the Year Award last year after she had earned that honor in the previous season. Sydney often plays all 80 minutes for Coach Warren’s club, and he wholeheartedly appreciates her effort as a focal point on defense in his team’s new system.
“This year, one of our main goals was to become a much more defensively solid unit. I’ve asked the players to learn a new system. Sydney’s more defense-minded. With her, we are able fill more areas on the field and nullify our opponent’s attack and then turn that into offensive opportunities for us,” Coach Warren says. “Having her out there as my voice on the field as the team learns it has been so important to integrating it. She’s such a strong player that all the girls look up to. Not just her talent, but her leadership. It’s been a good transition changing the system, because she’s in place.”
Sydney takes the responsibility of being a captain seriously. She not only makes sure that everyone is in the right place on the field, but also in the right place emotionally in order to play their best.
“Being a captain means setting a good example for the team and leading them through all that goes on with being on a soccer team,” she says. “Being on the field at center back, I can see the whole field and suggest the best plays to make. Off the field, I just have to help everyone get accustomed to the team—especially the incoming freshman—and make sure everyone is working hard and playing their best.”
One of the most important aspects of helping people off the field is making sure that the team remains a tight-knit group that plays for each other. Sydney and fellow captain Bonnie Caulfield have already spelled out their strategies to help the Warriors bond at team events, so they’re more apt to appreciate each other on the field.
“We talked, and we arranged a lot of potlucks and activities where everyone can get to know each other,” says Sydney. “Team-building activities can help our chemistry and get everyone working toward the same goals.”
In addition to playing soccer, Sydney is also member of the Valley girls’ outdoor track team. Sydney got involved with track as a way to stay conditioned for her nonstop running on the soccer field. Her mother Carmen also helped convince her give the sport a try.
“I do hurdles and long jump and javelin,” Sydney says. “I started track because I wanted to work on my overall fitness for soccer. My mom did it when she was younger, so she pushed me towards it, too.”
Sydney thanks her parents, Carmen and Tom Suedmeier, for all of their support throughout the years, including driving long distances to travel league tournaments. Sydney also thanks Coach Warren and her offseason coach Steven Tolley for the guidance they’ve provided her both on and off the soccer field.
As for the 2017 season, Sydney is excited to compete alongside co-captain Caulfield and sister Jeni Caulfield on the back line. With her team’s focus on preventing goals, Sydney believes the Warriors can go far this year.
“I think that’s the attitude Coach Lloyd is taking this year. We’re taking a formation that’s more defensively sound. He really values the defensive side of the game,” Sydney says. “We have a great line back here this year. Bonnie and her sister Jeni are great on each side. We work really well together.”