In the heart of Orono High School, the boys’ varsity soccer team is an ongoing vibrant community and one of the school’s most celebrated treasures. This team works to their full potential to strive to become the best that they can be. Beyond the boundaries of the soccer field, this team of talented athletes has become a source of inspiration, unity, and pride for the entire community. 

With a history of remarkable achievements and a commitment to excellence, these young men exemplify what it means to be champions both on and off the field. 

“We practice every day, and most of the players go to the turf by themselves and practice shooting on the target. We are really competitive so we’re all the time trying to get better,” Senior Carlos Mendez said 

“I have been on varsity since my freshman year and I have been playing soccer since I was about 4 years old. My parents put me into soccer early and I have stuck with it ever since,” Senior Nate Hallof said 

As the sun dips below the horizon, casting long shadows across the meticulously manicured field, the Orono High School boys’ varsity soccer team prepares to finish up on another season filled with passion, dedication, and a burning desire for victory at sections. 

From the captivating stories of the players, to their dedicated coaches, and the challenges they face as they strive for greatness. “Because I knew it was going to be hard and I love to be challenged,” Senior Carlos Mendez said. 

“I was injured during tryouts for my second year in a row and fought through the injury and played again.”Cam De Lange said. Being challenged is the best way to achieve success from what these boys have shown. From unforgettable moments on the field to the sportsmanship that binds them together, the Orono High School boys’ varsity soccer team’s journey is one filled with passion, perseverance, and purpose.

Head coach Grant Steine said, “We try to stay consistent with the things we can control and not worry about the things we can’t. The emphasis is on us and how we can improve on a daily basis. The expectation is everyone puts in the work each day, which the boys do a great job of.”

“Some of our biggest achievements this season have been all of the new players on the team stepping up this season to fill the shoes of the people from last year. With how many seniors we had lost we were worried it might be a tough season but many players have stepped up,” Haloff said.  

Beyond the big achievements and staying consistent, this team embodies the spirit of resilience and sportsmanship. Their journey transcends the boundaries of the soccer field, leaving a profound impact on the Orono community and fostering a sense of unity that extends far beyond their wins and losses.

“Respect and Responsibility. Team sports provide a special opportunity to teach young men how to be good people. When an individual can put a team above their own personal agenda and work together to achieve common goals, they develop skills that will help them be successful in life. I believe one of my greatest strengths as a coach is my ability to model this behavior and be a good example for my players,” Head Coach Grant Steine said

“I’ll miss the practices every day and seeing familiar faces and a welcoming presence,” Senior Cam De Lange said. Being together and seeing this team as a family who works together is something that is very important when bonding and accomplishing goals as a team. Steine seems to resemble that strong mold that holds everything together to have the best outcome for a winning streak.

Head Coach Grant Steine said, “It’s more about us and what we can accomplish together, with the current group of guys. It would be selfish to think it’s about me and what I want. For many of our seniors, it’s their last season playing organized sport, which is something they will remember for the rest of their lives. For me, there’s always next year. ”

Team bonding is an important factor contributing to how they play as a team. Having trust in your players and being able to feel a connection is important to the variety of boys since some of them have been forming these bonds for years, with close friends, which will be hard to say the last goodbyes after graduation and a great season.

Coach Grant Steine emphasized the importance of character development through adversity. “It’s in these tough moments that true character shines,” he said. “Our players have learned the value of resilience and the importance of supporting one another through thick and thin.”

As the current season comes to an end, the Orono High School varsity boys’ soccer team has set their sights on new goals and soon will come to an end. With friendships that they have formed over the years, love for the sport and the dedication it brings to the players and coaches, and the memories that come with it. Their collective determination and relentless work ethic are sure to propel them toward further success. With promising young talents rising through the ranks, the future of Orono High School soccer looks brighter than ever.

Soon the boys will be making their way to sections to attempt to go on to play at state, it’s going to be a challenge indeed but still quite achievable at the rate the boys are playing. The soccer team stands as a symbol of excellence, unity, and community involvement. Their legacy goes beyond victories and championships; it is a testament to the power of sports to inspire, shape character, and foster a sense of belonging. As they continue to write their story, these young athletes remind us all that true champions are not defined solely by their wins but by the positive impact they leave on the world around them.

Now with recent wins, the Orono Boys’ Varsity Soccer team is heading to the state tournament, and hopefully, they will take home the win once again.