Accuracy requires investigation into the facts. Mr. Brett Crossley's conclusion in the Aug. 25th edition that the "Millionaires' soccer program has been a mess the last couple years" because of only winning "a combined nine games through four seasons" is not only insulting to the program, its players, its coaches and its supporters but is also a gross example of what is wrong in youth sports, and also of how hypocritical the media is in evaluating the success of high school programs.
The teams have certainly not had very many wins over the past three to four years. If this is how you measure whether a program is a mess then you are correct. I measure it by the fact that the team average GPA over those four years has been an astonishing 94.5. I measure it by the fact that the vast majority of players were actively involved in numerous other activities including but not limited to: Honor Societies, Student Government, Chorus, Band, Orchestra, 4H Club, Peer Mentoring, Mission trips, SADD, and even other sports. I measure it by the fact that many of the girls could not afford summer camps or pay for soccer training.
Their summers were spent working, volunteering, and for many taking classes at the high school or colleges. A select few traveled each summer on mission trips or to bible camps. I measure it by how hard the girls worked during the preseason and season to compete despite soccer being a passion for only a few on the entire team. I measure success on how the girls handled themselves in spite of a vast number of losses, always with character and class. I do not recall one player on the team receiving a red card during this program's "mess" years.
My husband, Marc Lovecchio, had the privilege of coaching the Williamsport girls soccer program for the past 12 years. They have won countless games, advanced deep into the district playoffs, played some of the top teams in the nation, upset higher ranked teams, and have had many girls go on to play college soccer. They have had girls receive all league, all state and regional all American honors. They have had girls receive Division I soccer scholarships. Despite these on-field accomplishments, their success has never been measured by wins and losses.
As my husband has said for years, "in the end it is and always will be character." I am really sorry that you feel differently. These girls deserve praise for what they have done, not insult. While they may not be the best soccer players, they are wonderful young women. I know my husband would not change a thing about those "mess" years.
Angela C. Lovecchio
Williamsport
Submitted by Virtual Newsroom
