Soccer’s role in fostering community at CGS

By Vishaka Priyan ‘26

CGS girls soccer team celebrating win at Homecoming courtesy of John Oribello

Whether you are a new student or a lifer at Catlin Gabel School (CGS), walking into a new community can be a daunting experience, but the path to integration and a sense of belonging for some might just start on the soccer field.

Each year, a new group of ninth-graders becomes part of the girls' soccer team. And this year, there are a total of seven ninth-graders on both the JV and Varsity teams.

CGS isn’t widely regarded as a sport-centric school, but joining a sports team at CGS can offer a multitude of benefits, especially for students new to the school. It can provide a way to get to know others through a shared interest in sports.

Ninth-grader Emma Unteutsch Reimann, who is on the JV girl's soccer team and is a new student at CGS, says that being on a sports team eased the transition into high school. Reimann, who moved here from China, said that soccer offered her “a little community outside of school,” and said that it was “nice to see familiar faces once school started.”

Although Reimann is not part of the Varsity team, she firmly believes that the level at which you play does not affect the soccer community you can cultivate at CGS.

Athletics Director, Kate Williams, credits CGS’ no-cut policy to this inclusive and community-oriented sports environment. Williams said that the different levels serve to accommodate a broad spectrum of students, and expressed her hope that the no-cut policy “helps sports feel more inclusive to the student body.”

In contrast, the girls’ soccer teams foster team bonding through alternative means. Off-campus hangouts, daily practices, and games serve as the primary avenues for promoting team unity.

Ninth-grader Caitlin Pierce, a member of the Varsity girl's soccer team, says that her team has strong team spirit, which is nurtured through activities like team sleepovers and the collective ritual of destroying an OES piñata.

In essence, the soccer field at CGS represents more than just a playing field. It is a microcosm of a broader ethos, where inclusivity, community, and a shared passion for the game converge to create a sense of belonging and togetherness.

For the ninth-graders and new students who join the girls’ soccer teams each year, the experience provides not only athletic development but also a gateway to building relationships, finding support, and creating memories. The school’s no-cut policy and the dedication of students, coaches, and the CGS community further emphasize that sports at CGS are about more than just competition: they are about building a stronger, more tightly-knit community.