For the 2015 Girls team, the 2024 edition of the Hempfield Fall Classic proved to be a resounding success, as the Gold team triumphed in the top bracket with a perfect 4-0 record, securing the championship and leaving an impression of not just talent, but also growth and teamwork.

A Perfect Weekend: Wins and Championship Glory

The Hempfield Fall Classic weekend was a whirlwind of competition, but it started off with great promise. Coach Kandrack explains how things unfolded: "We brought three different teams to the tournament, placing them in the top two brackets and the fourth bracket. All of our 2015 teams were undefeated on Saturday, finishing with a combined 6-0 record, and each team played meaningful matches on Sunday," he shared. "Unfortunately, the teams in the 2nd and 4th brackets lost in their semifinal matches. The team that won the tournament, the only goal we conceded was off a penalty kick, and we outscored our opponents 28-1 in the top bracket. In the finals, we faced the home club, PA Classics, and secured a 7-0 win."

Coach Kandrack's team was not only impressive in their dominant results but also in the quality of soccer they displayed on the field. "More importantly than the wins, all three teams played fantastic soccer. We focused on playing the ball back to the goalie, switching the field, taking players on 1v1, and maintaining great team play across the board."

The Excitement of Victory: More Than Just a Win

After the final whistle blew and the 7-0 victory was secured, the excitement among the girls was palpable. However, Coach Kandrack was quick to emphasize that the real takeaway from the weekend wasn't just the championship trophy but the attitude of the players. "After every hard-fought game—whether we win or lose—the girls deserve to be rewarded for their effort," he said with a smile. "I hope the parents treated the girls to ice cream! Our team motto this year is 'Embrace the Journey,' and the girls understand that every game, win or loss, is simply another part of their journey."

But what stood out to him most was how the players responded after the weekend’s celebration. "What I was most proud of after this tournament wasn’t the celebration of the win or the disappointment of a loss—it was the attitude of the girls. They showed up to practice on Monday with a positive mindset, eager to continue working hard. That shows a level of maturity and commitment that speaks volumes about their development as players and as individuals."

Development Beyond the Scoreboard: Mental and Team Growth

For Coach Kandrack, the tournament’s true value lies not just in the scoreline, but in the personal and team development of the players. "At this age, tournaments are just as much about mental growth as they are about physical development," he noted. "This weekend, we focused on helping the girls visualize success and strengthen their connections with one another on the field. They learned how to 'pick up' their teammates—recognizing that when one player makes a mistake, other players let them know they are there for them."

This camaraderie and positive reinforcement are vital elements for the team's success. "This mentality encourages them to connect not only as players but as individuals, fostering a deeper sense of teamwork," Kandrack explained.

For those teams that did not make it to the finals, the lessons learned were just as valuable. "For the teams that were knocked out in the semifinals, this experience taught them resilience—understanding that setbacks are part of the journey and learning how to push through adversity."

As for the championship team, Kandrack emphasized that the victory affirmed the team's dedication. "For the championship-winning team, their victory reinforced that hard work, consistency, and teamwork truly pay off."

Looking Ahead: Winter Training and Spring Preparation

The tournament provided a boost to the players' confidence and development, but Coach Kandrack knows that the road ahead is long, and there is still much work to be done. As winter approaches, the focus will shift toward technical development in preparation for the spring season. "When you have such a talented and driven group, it’s easy to keep pushing each other to improve. With close to 50 girls in the pool, we are fortunate to have a dedicated group that is eager to learn," said Kandrack. "Every practice, we are introducing new concepts, and the girls are soaking it all in like sponges."

Over the winter, the coaching staff will emphasize technical aspects like passing, ball control, footwork, and decision-making, ensuring that the players are more than prepared when spring competition begins. "This foundation of skill and teamwork will be crucial as we head into the spring season and beyond," Kandrack explained. "We want to keep building on the momentum from the Hempfield Fall Classic, keeping the girls engaged, motivated, and excited about their development."

A Weekend of Success, but Just the Beginning

The 2015 Girls team's performance at the Hempfield Fall Classic was nothing short of impressive, but as Coach Kandrack highlighted, it is only one chapter in their larger journey. The team's success is a testament to their commitment to excellence, teamwork, and the values they embody both on and off the field. As they move forward, the lessons from this weekend will serve as a foundation for even greater achievements in the future. For the players, it’s not just about winning; it’s about continuing to grow, embrace challenges, and work together as one cohesive unit. As Coach Kandrack said, "Embrace the journey." The 2015 Girls team certainly has many more exciting chapters ahead.