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10/09/2022 10:26 AMLiv Catala is no stranger to the soccer pitch. Liv, a senior defender on the Hand girls’ soccer team, has been playing the sport since the age of 3, starting in her native Massachusetts. Liv’s family moved to Madison when she was in 7th grade, and she’s been progressing in the sport ever since.
“My parents are my biggest inspiration. They both played soccer in college,” says Liv. “They pretty much put a pair of shin guards and cleats on me and said, ‘There you go.’”
After suiting up as defender for the Tigers in her junior year, Liv has come into her own as both a player and a leader this season. With Hand graduating 13 seniors from its 2021 squad, Head Coach Rob McConville was looking for his returning veterans to fill in that leadership role, and he feels that Liv is stepping up in that regard.
McConville describes Liv as a “very coachable” player who “listens to everything you tell her.” In turn, Liv enjoys mentoring her younger teammates while leading the Tigers by example in both practices and matches through her communication skills and work ethic.
“Communication is definitely one of my biggest strengths,” Liv says. “I set a good example for our defense and team as a whole.”
Liv is anchoring Hand’s defense alongside teammates Coco Rourke, Piper Lea, and Adelynn Arroyo this season. Thus far, the Tigers have a record of 6-1-1 that includes 3 shutouts. Coach McConville says that Liv was integral part of shutouts, which came against East Haven, West Haven, and Sacred Heart Academy.
Liv says that she’s become “more confident and settled in my position” throughout the past few games. As a defender, Liv’s responsibilities not only include guarding against the opposition’s attack, but also helping Hand transition from a defensive posture to an offensive push.
Coach McConville says that Liv “reads the game very well, her timing is good, and often leads to a counterattack.” Never one to shy away from an oncoming opponent, Liv says that “being physical is fun and competitive” and is one of the things that she loves the most about soccer.
After stopping an opponent and gaining possession, Liv looks to quickly move upfield and distribute the ball to her teammates. This requires solid ball-handling skills, along with an ability to see the field and open spaces. These are both skills that Liv has developed and honed during her tenure with the Tigers. As a defender, Liv understands that she has “to know what’s going on and where people are at all times.”
Liv is also a member of the Hand girls’ lacrosse team, competing alongside many of the people with whom she plays soccer. When she isn’t playing sports or focusing on her studies, Liv likes to watch her three brothers play their sports, along with hanging out with her teammates and friends. Several of the athletes on Hand girls’ soccer squad have been playing the sport together for a number of years now.
“We are all very close. We do things off the field, which makes us closer,” Liv says. “We have been playing together since we were little in youth soccer. We know each other’s strengths so well and work to bring our team together.”
Liv is looking to lead Hand to another successful year after the team went 11-5-3 and made it to the quarterfinals of the Class L State Tournament last fall. Liv and her teammates are working hard in preparation for their upcoming matchups as the Tigers enter the second half of the regular season. With hopes to go far in the playoffs, Liv is enjoying her team’s success this year.
“I love the competition, getting on the field, and playing alongside my teammates,” says Liv.
Liv has aspirations of playing soccer and/or lacrosse in college after she graduates from Hand. Liv isn’t sure where she’s going as of yet, but she’s casting a wide net in terms of her options.
“I am all over the place when it comes to college,” Liv says. “I’m looking at schools in Boston and the south”.
Liv is making key contributions to Hand’s success with her strong play and sound leadership this season. The Tigers’ ultimate goal is to win a state title, but regardless of the wins and losses, Liv finds that being part of such a close-knit group of athletes is a rewarding and fulfilling experience.
“Our team is very close, which I love,” Liv says.