Reacting and making quick decisions is key to success in any sport, but on March 31 the YVC women’s soccer team found itself tested in a different way.
While taking a break from running sprints during practice, team members noticed smoke rising from a house just down the street. Thinking quickly, the team organized itself and checked to make sure the family living in the house had escaped while assisting families and children in nearby houses to make sure they were safe from the rapidly growing fire.
Midfielder Brianna Garfias helped free the family’s dog from underneath a fence, while other players stayed with the mother and three children who lived in the house.
Head Coach Abigail Drollinger said the team’s players and assistant coaches Delaney Clement and Dylan Bernard all responded in the moment of crisis.
“Our team did a great job delegating and working together,” Drollinger said. “It was amazing watching the different girls just step up and help with the situation, it really was a great team effort with everyone helping in some capacity.”
Following the fire, team members continued to offer support to the family, getting food for them the day after the fire and putting together and delivering Easter baskets for the children.