Though the Trevians are the reigning state champions after beating Loyola Academy 8-7 last June, with only three returning starters and 10 new players, the team is working towards developing connections with each other and filling roles from graduated seniors. 

“When we were down in sectionals [last year] we all knew, especially the seniors, that this was not our last game,” senior and Amherst College commit Riley Nolan said. “We can’t give up. Coming into this season, I feel like we need to build friendships and really make sure we’re as close as last year, and just continue to be strong and build each other up in practice. We practice how we play.”

Prior to tryouts, the players had practice nearly every day, whether it be lifts, open gyms, or morning conditioning. While that helped the returners meet new players, now that the roster is set for the 2025-2026 season, they will have to get more comfortable with one another on and off the field.

“We only have three returning starters, so it’s definitely a big reset on how we actually play,” Nolan said. “I think it’s just gonna take a while and we’re going to have to get used to it, but we are looking strong. A lot of those people have talent.”

Senior and San Diego State University commit Avery Anderson echoed this idea, highlighting how the team has already worked on team bonding outside of practice since the teams were set on March 5.

“Just in the beginning, hanging out as much as possible,” Anderson said. “Whether that means going to the play or hanging out on Saturday night.”

The Trevians will have until their first game on March 18 against Downers Grove North High School to gel and learn how to work together as a team, not just individuals, Nolan noted.

“We have a long way to go,” Anderson said. “We’re not exactly where we need to be right now. I have faith that people want to be there and deserve to have a spot. We’ll work as hard as it will take.”

Anderson and Nolan look forward to upcoming games against top competition like Loyola locally, but also out-of-state rival Upper Arlington High School during a trip to Ohio, as well as other competition during a tournament in California in April.

“All California [teams] are like the best teams in the country which I’m excited for,” Anderson said. “I’m excited for the younger kids to understand the kind of competition that we’re gonna be up against…It’s fun for us to be in charge and lead the culture.”

Though the state championship is months away and the team has a long way to go, they will focus on the small goals in order to build up the team until the finale on June 6.

“Our goal will always be to win state, but we have to start small, because we’re so new,” Nolan said. “Honestly, just building more chemistry…Just filling in the footsteps.”