By Andy Warrener
The Laker/Lutz News Correspondent
About 30 former Land O’ Lakes girls soccer players returned to the Central Pasco County pitch for Alumni Night Dec. 14.
It is the first time that Gators 26-year coach Vicky King has had Alumni Night. The only coach in program history said she also wanted to do something to remember winning a state championship 10 years ago.
“This program is like a big family,” King said. “It’s good for the kids on this year’s team to see those alumni; it’s good for the program.”
Junior midfielder Brooke Silvest said having the former players in attendance gave them more motivation to defeat Boca Raton Christian, which Land O’ Lakes (12-4-2) dispatched 5-0.
“We definitely wanted to impress them, show them we’re still good,” Silvest said.
The alumni were announced individually and brought out to the field. The current Gators lined up and slapped hi-fives with them during the halftime ceremony.
“This brings back great memories,” said Wendy Schramm, formerly Norton, when she played forward and graduated in 1994. “It’s a lot of fun.”
Class of 1993 midfielder Stacey Hudson, formerly Fisher, added, “I’ve enjoyed seeing everyone I haven’t seen in a while.”
Seeing the current squad brought back different memories for class of 1992 forward/midfielder Lisa Savage, formerly Lang, who teaches at Pine View Elementary and was a junior varsity coach for Land O’ Lakes for three years.
“All of these girls playing now, I’ve had them in school at some point,” Savage said.
Having so many current and former Gators together made it impossible for those on hand not to compare the past with the present.
“It’s nice to see all the girls, and that we’re all still looking good,” said class of 1993 midfielder Nicole Angel. “I think we’re the best looking class still.”
Class of 1993 midfielder Pamela Byrne was in attendance to celebrate. She was the first Land O’ Lakes girls soccer player to receive a college soccer scholarship and played for the University of Mobile before settling in Orlando.
As for the game, Silvest rose to the occasion by scoring twice on her own while dominating the middle of the field. The Blazers only crossed midfield with possession six times.
“(Silvest) is a dominant player on the field,” King said. “She can basically play anywhere on the field.”
–Editor Kyle LoJacono contributed to this report
