State Finals
I have been playing soccer for as long as I can remember. Whether it was rec, club, or for school, I have always been on the field. I am currently a junior at The Benjamin School in Palm Beach Gardens, FL and have been a member of the varsity soccer team since freshman year. Our team has always been extremely talented, making it all the way to State Semifinals my freshman year and State Finals the year before I joined the team. After a devastating loss in the Regional tournament and losing our three leading goal scorers last year, a State Championship seemed out of reach. Despite having a rough start to the season, winning only four games in the regular season, we made it to the State Championship. Last week on February 28 we won 2-1 in overtime in the Semifinal match giving us the bid for the final game. This past Saturday, March 1, we won 1-0, taking home the State Championship title for the first time in program history at Benjamin. It felt like no one believed in us but ourselves, but that was all we needed to keep pushing forward. The State Championship was truly an unforgettable experience, and I love every single person on this team that I got to share it with.
Materials Science in SOccer
Materials science actually plays a crucial role in soccer, influencing everything from the ball to player equipment and even the field itself. Modern soccer balls are designed using synthetic leather with carefully engineered panel shapes and thermal bonding techniques to improve aerodynamics and durability. Cleats utilize lightweight yet strong materials like carbon fiber and advanced polymers to enhance speed, traction, and comfort. Beyond gear, materials science also affects stadium design, with high-tech turf systems combining natural grass with artificial fibers for optimal playability in various weather conditions. Our home field is synthetic turf, and might be the most slippery field I have ever played on. It is basically guaranteed for players on every visiting team to fall and slip on our field. Through constant innovation, materials science helps improve performance, safety, and the overall experience of the game.
