“Competitive, stressful and rewarding” are words senior co-captain Ethan Wade used to describe the 2024-25 season. With a 18-3-3 record, and about 70 goals this season, the Blue Devils had many rewarding and strong wins. However, Westfield’s two crucial losses against rival Scotch-Plains Fanwood in the Union County Tournament finals and North2, Group 4 Sectional Tournament finals seemed to diminish the impact of the season.
However, the season was not defined by the two losses in the eyes of the players and coaches. Wade said, “Initially it was win it all or nothing. The goals were never diminished in any way and we will always maintain them. However, I was able to realize that it was more about the bonds I was creating with people on the team rather than the wins. I felt like the team dynamic ended up being more important than the result in a game.”
Head coach Eric Shaw said, “Our record throughout the season says how we did, but it is always disappointing when you get to a final and don’t win. Playing a team three times is challenging but I’m certainly proud of the way the guys competed throughout the year.”
Looking past these losses, the team’s chemistry stood out more to the players. Senior co-captain Niko Pierce said, “This season meant a lot of things, but the most important one would be the friendship and bonds we created. It was a very competitive season, so it brought out the competitive nature that is natural in every athlete. So, it ended up just being a lot of fun because you got to spend time with your friends everyday and compete with them.”
Agreeing with Pierce, junior Sam Judka said, “I think this season was special, a lot of bonds were made between the team and I think we had a successful season even though it didn’t necessarily end the way we wanted it to.”
Looking back at the season, a special moment for Westfield was their game against Elizabeth on Nov. 12. After an extremely physical and diligent game, with just eight minutes left in the game, Wade scores off a cross from senior Henry Iannuzi, with a lefty chip over the goalkeeper. The team and crowd went wild as this forced two overtimes and eventually penalty kicks. The resilience and patience the Blue Devils had in this game reflects the type of team they were.
After starting off the season strong with three straight wins, the boys were determined to keep the winning streak on. Their only loss in the regular season was on Sept. 13 against Ridgewood, 2-0. Other than that, the boys sustained their wins and ties throughout the season until rival SPF.
Looking forward, Wade looks to give advice to younger players to “enjoy yourself, but expect better from yourself everyday.” Adding on, Pierce said, “In my speech, I gave the boys some advice to always work hard, and I told them that the chemistry of the team is more important than what you individually think the team should be.”
The Blue Devils have high expectations going into the 2025 season. With future captains being Judka and current junior Alex Rokshar, Wetfield plans to keep their winning record moving forward. Shaw said, “Our preparation definitely starts now. We announced our captains to prepare for next year because we want them to start building those leadership skills. It is a process, it’s not just something we hope for in August and September.”
