Congrats to the 11s!

Congratulations to our 2011 team, led by head coach Lexi and assistant coach Kelly, for their first place finish in the Washington Premier League’s Copa Division spring league! To celebrate, we asked coach Lexi to share more about the team & their season in the Q&A below.

What key factors impacted the 11s’ success?

Joyful Leadership: Every practice and game was led with genuine joy and love for the sport. When you truly love something, you naturally want to savor it—and that passion became contagious throughout the team.

Unmatched Team Chemistry: The bond between the players was extraordinary. Their commitment to supporting and challenging one another cannot be overstated. This chemistry was the foundation of our success.

Soccer IQ Development: The players made huge strides in understanding the game—how to create space, support connecting passes, and maintain strong field awareness. This tactical growth was a game-changer.

Goal-Oriented Mindset: At the start of the season, we set a clear, ambitious goal: to finish first in the league. Weekly check-ins kept that goal front and center, allowing us to reflect, adjust, and stay focused on continuous improvement.

What were your coaching priorities this season, and how did you implement them?

A primary focus was building positional awareness and helping each player understand how their role contributed to the team’s overall success.

We also prioritized connection. Weekly reflections on each player’s personal highs and lows built trust, strengthened relationships, and fostered a culture of openness and support.

Another key theme was playing with grit — not just talking about resilience, but embodying it. I set a clear standard for what grit looks and feels like on the pitch, encouraging players to reflect on their mindset and effort, and continuously challenge themselves.

What are you most proud of from the season?

I’m incredibly proud of this group for achieving the goal they set together. Watching them show up each day, fully committed to improvement and to one another, was inspiring.

Beyond the wins and standings, I’m proud of the growth I witnessed — both in their skill and their character. While they may not remember every detail of this season years from now, I believe they’ll always remember what it felt like to play with joy, push for excellence, and accomplish something meaningful as a team.