Babylon High School Girls Soccer Team Makes History

The Babylon Junior-Senior High School Girls varsity soccer team made history by reaching the state finals during the fall 2023 season. This special achievement came after the Panthers defeated Saranac in the Class B Southeast Regional Semifinals on Saturday, November 11 at Cortland High School upstate.

This season, the team referred to itself as “The Energy Bus,” in reference to the book of the same name by Jon Gordon, about teambuilding and overcoming great odds.

“Most of the seniors, it’s what we’ve been wanting this entire time,” senior Brook O’Halloran told Newsday on reaching the state finals. “We’re called ‘The Energy Bus,’ which is a book we read at the beginning of the season. So, that’s kind of what’s been pushing us and our energy.”

Although the Panthers, with a season record of 11-6-3, did not achieve the state title after falling to Haverling in the final game on Sunday, November 12, the players were proud of their historic season, as well as being the best Class B soccer team on Long Island this fall.

“I’ve always had this determination and ambition to do better, but I couldn’t do it without any of those girls,” Senior Captain Sophia Conti told the news outlet. “This team is unique in that every single game, we were the underdogs. And we showed up and always wanted it more. That’s why we were so successful.”

Upon the team’s return to Babylon, the players were treated to a hero’s welcome. “After an intensely competitive fall season, these girls deserve to be recognized for their unprecedented accomplishment,” said Superintendent of Schools Carisa Manza. “Congratulations to our Panthers for making Babylon history, and we look forward to seeing how the team’s younger players will take this experience forward and push their team to even further heights.”

For more information about the Babylon Union Free School District, please visit the District’s website at www.babylon.k12.ny.us. Exciting activities happening throughout the District and programs celebrating student achievement can also be found on the District’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/babylonschooldistrict/.