The University Academy boys’ soccer season has finished up, and the team has made growth throughout the fall. The size of the team as also grown, jumping from 14 players last season to 20 players this season.
UA and Ewing Marion Kauffman School have been a co-cop team for five years now. Head coach Daniel Rapp, who teaches second grade at UA, has coaching for four years. With his assistant coach Zeke Meltsner from Kauffman by his side, the coaches are working to improve the boys’ soccer team each year.
The captains are seniors Andres Nunez and Jay’Ceon Taylor from Kauffman.
There are many pros and cons when it comes to different schools working together in a co-op format on and off the field. Coach Rapp said it can provide advantages like a larger talent pool and more opportunities to build relationships with players, coaches and teachers. However, a co-op also presents logistical challenges with time, transportation, communication and student monitoring when there are two schools involved.
There may be difficulties with the team, but the teammates and coaches work together to find solutions. One challenge they were able to overcome is making the newcomers feel welcome. There are 13 total freshmen on this year’s team.
“I help [the freshman] keep up with dates and other small things like grabbing balls or setting things up and showing them how to do it properly,” said UA sophomore soccer player Malachi Bartley.
But it’s not just the teammates helping out the newcomers, it’s the coaches, also.
“I am trying to be consistent with the freshmen and give them some tough love but also allow them to make mistakes, grow and figure some things out on their own,” Coach Rapp said.
Some freshmen are picking things up extremely fast. For example, Kauffman freshman Kaeden Browning has scored two goals so far this season. Ariel Rodriguez, another Kauffman freshman, knows how to work on the field as a midfielder even though it is his first year, according to fellow teammates Bartley and UA freshman Trenton Hubbard.
The team has faced opponents including East High School, Oak Grove High School, Smithton High School, Northeast High School, Paseo Academy of Fine and Performing Arts and Cristo Rey High School. Although they have more losses than wins, they have picked up a couple good victories and are continuously on the road of improvement. One highlight of the season was beating Paseo by a score of 5-0.
Although maintaining a cheerful attitude during the season can be challenging at times, athletes find a way to keep their heads up high. Coach Rapp said he likes to motivate players by reminding them of the team and individual goals, monitoring growth and even promising food after games if they do good, he said jokingly.
When it comes to ensuring inclusivity among team members, “there is a baseline level of respect that is mandatory on our team,” Coach Rapp said.
“I also try to set an example of inclusivity with my words and actions, as well as calling out others if I’m not seeing the same.”
As a whole, the team has grown a lot since last season. According to Coach Rapp, on-field success has increased due to greater competition and accountability. With a record number of freshmen joining the program this year, he is ensuring players meet standards in practice and classroom.
As a starter, Bartley has also become a leader who works to help his teammates meet the coaches’ standards on and off the field.
Their last home game of the season was against Harrisonville High School. Congrats to the UA soccer team for a strong season!
