Ayanna Varma ‘25, Sport Writer

The NA Girls’ Soccer team celebrates after their tough 1-0 win against Nutley.

Image courtesy of nagsvarsity Instagram

This week the Newark Academy Girls’ Soccer team played their last match of the season against Oak Knoll, closing another great chapter for Newark Academy sports. The team was very successful this year, making it to the semi-finals of the prep tournament, quarterfinals of the states tournament, and quarterfinals of the county tournament. The team is led by senior captains Zoe Hermans ‘23, Ines Lopez-Silvero ‘23, Izzy McNeilly-Anta ‘23, and their inspiring coach, Mr. Rowling. 

In the middle of the season, the girls had a tough 1-3 loss against Caldwell but were able to bounce back only a week later in their re-match as a part of the Essex County tournament. The team was successfully able to exact their revenge, walking away with a decisive 5-0 victory. Sister duo Cami ’25 and Kyra Gallagher ’23 and teammate Oliva Palker’24 all scored during the Caldwell game. The girls stayed true to their motto, “Find a way to win,” by never giving up and showing their best effort. 

However, the girls weren’t alone in their fight. Newark Academy fans and supporters showed up this season, providing the girls with the support and encouragement they needed to perform. While there have been controversies surrounding the Newark Academy student section where competitors were displeased with the bold NA supporters, we are proud of the effort students have made this season to show their support for their friends and peers. Gracie Kelly ’25 recognized, “I really appreciate students and faculty who come out and show their support because it helps get the energy up and raise the team’s spirits.”

Both the NA Girls’ Soccer team and the individual players have accomplished a ton this season. Two of the girls on the team, Cami Gallagher and Izzy McNeilly-Anta ‘23 were recognized for their dedication and hard work, receiving the Newark Academy athlete of the week award. Beyond the field, the team hosted a bake sale and canned food drive to benefit NA tackles hunger, showing their commitment to both sports and helping out the community. 

The girls have had some great wins and tough losses, but have ultimately honored Newark Academy sports. The mysterious allure of the cult-like soccer team is enticing, but beneath the mystical reputation, there is a loving group of girls who this season grew to be not just teammates, but family. They have bonded over joyful memories, great wins, and heartbreaking losses, facing adversity as a team. Captain and goalie Zoe Hermans ’23 commented, “We had a very close-knit team with everyone being involved and having a great time at both practices and games. Being a part of Newark Academy girl’s soccer has been an amazing experience and brought me some of my closest friends on and off the field.” Another captain, Izzy McNeilly-Anta, said, “I’m so proud of everyone on the team, and to be honest I wouldn’t have wanted my senior year to be with any other group of girls.” We are all looking forward to the next season with new faces and fresh talent when NAGS will storm the field once again. NAGS is just one example showing that success is found not just in wins and losses, but in connections, experiences, and fun.