On November 14th, Bernards Girls Soccer traveled to Madison High School to play against Madison in the State Sectionals Championship for the first time since 2018.  Bailey Olson ‘25 and Payton Zaun ‘25  recorded late goals to send the game into overtime. Unfortunately, they were defeated 3-2 in overtime.  Though they came up short, there was plenty to be proud of from this season of Girls’ Soccer.

During this historic campaign, Coach Boudreau has led the Mountaineers to a 16-5-2 record, with impressive wins over crosstown rivals Ridge to win the division championship, among others. In fact, this victory over Ridge was one of Coach Boudreau’s favorite moments of the season: “Not only did it mark the 3rd time this season we beat Ridge, but it also gave this group a winning record and the upper hand for these past 4 years vs this neighboring school that is three times the size.” Though some of these impressive wins were special, it was one of the losses that was Andee Costabile’s ‘25 favorite moment. Similar to the sectional championship, Bernards “came back and scored two goals to tie the game and take us into overtime.” It was her favorite moment because “that was the moment I and the rest of the team realized how good we were.” 

Payton Zaun ‘25 led the team with an impressive 25 goal tally, and 29 assists capping off a remarkable campaign. Zaun will head to Fairfield to play Division III Soccer. Meanwhile, Costabile finished the year with 14 goals and 14 assists, and she will be headed to Richmond to play Division I soccer. Bailey Olson ‘25 racked up 22 goals with 8 assists, and will be attending Pace University to play Division II soccer. 

A theme for this year’s team seemed to be centered around two words: Fun, and Family. Costabile ‘25 says “Our team had such success because we genuinely loved what we were doing every day.” and “I can genuinely say every moment I spent with the team will be remembered as some of the most fun of my life.” On the other hand, family has become a very important motto since Mr. Boudreau took over the role of Head Coach.

Costabile says “This season more than any other a mere soccer team really transformed into a 30-person family. We cared for one another, helped each other through struggles, and eventually faced one of the hardest losses of our lives together.”

Bailey Olson ‘25 says “The word family is super important to our team because we always say we before me, and we have each other’s backs and aim towards group success over individual success.” Payton Zaun ‘25 adds “Our motto this year was we before me. It was so important to our team culture to play for each other, and focus on the overall success of the team.”

Coach Boudreau also had another mentality that he attributes the team’s success towards: “Treat every game like a state championship. Treat every practice like it’s the practice before a state championship. That way, when you get there, it just feels like another game or practice.” He says “We embodied this all year long. When we finally made it to the state championship, it felt just that way. There were no nerves, no anxiety, it was just confidence going into the biggest game of their lives.”

Though girls’ soccer lost the sectional championship, Coach Boudreau and the rest of the players will always look back on what an incredible group of girls this team was. Boudreau says “I can never repay them for the most incredible past 4 years on and off the field” and “while the season ended one play short of our ultimate goal, this group will have so many better memories together for decades to come.”

Our soccer time together has come to an end, but we all cannot wait to see each other go onto successful lives, and still find time to celebrate the lifelong relationships we have developed through high school athletics.” Costabile ‘25 says “The most special thing about this team was the love that bonded us all together. We began the season as teammates, but slowly we morphed into best friends and eventually sisters.”

Overall, BHS girls soccer had an incredible 2024 season, thank you to the seniors, and everyone should be celebrated for their accomplishments.