By Ben Goodman ’16, Staff Writer

This fall, Kimberly McGrath has been a standout performer for the girls’ soccer team. The prolific forward, though only a sophomore, is in the top three on the team in both goals and assists and has been one of the most significant parts of the team’s attack.

The Lady Minutemen have had a roller-coaster campaign. They started strong, with a 3-1-1 start, punctuated by a resounding 6-0 win against North Bergen, but they have hit a rough patch as of late, losing seven of their last eight. However, the recent struggles only emphasize McGrath’s value to the team, which failed to win a game during her three game absence due to a knee injury. Fortunately, McGrath returned to the turf to help the Lady Minutemen snap their losing streak in a Homecoming win over Trinity.

Head Coach Jay Torson attested to what he thinks makes McGrath a great soccer player. She “has a knack for the goal” that not all players possess, and she is not afraid to shoot from long-distance. “Kim is a gamer,” Torson said, “She is hampered by injuries, but doesn’t let them stop her, and she will use her body to protect the ball.” He added that she benefits from her preference for her left foot, something that catches opponents off-guard. Clearly, Coach Torson is glad to have her back on the pitch.

In the midst of a demanding season, McGrath shoulders the load of being a heavily relied-upon varsity starter. Athletes at Newark Academy face the daunting challenge of juggling rigorous academics, athletic commitments, and additional extra-curricular activities. McGrath decided to embrace her busy schedule. “I think of soccer as kind of an escape after a long day of classes at Newark Academy.  I am driven by the feeling of contributing to the team,” she said. Her mindset speaks volumes on the benefits of a positive outlook.

On the field, McGrath understands the keys to victory and success. During games, she faces numerous pressure-packed situations. Whether a late game penalty kick or a breakaway, soccer players are asked to come through in the clutch. How does McGrath handle these moments? She has a viewpoint that resembles the Nike slogan, “just do it.” She trusts her training and focuses on the fundamentals. “The more you think, the more you psyche yourself out,” she says. Most importantly, McGrath knows the importance of teamwork. In a team sport such as soccer, one individual performance rarely decides an outcome. Instead, the team  must function as a unit, paving the way towards victory. She attests that when the Lady Minutemen go into a game with focus and unity, one can “feel the dynamic change.” If the squad is to finish well, as McGrath hopes, they have to be on the same page. The demeanor and mindset of a team can be the difference between winning and losing, and winning, according to McGrath, is the goal. “Walking off the field as a team after a win is the best feeling for any athlete,” she stated.

The Newark Academy girls’ soccer team is poised to have a strong finish to their season. They begin with a formidable test: a State Tournament matchup with Morristown Beard on the home turf of Kacur Field. It won’t be easy for the Lady Minutemen, but with Kim McGrath leading the charge, victory is certainly attainable.