To most, winter means cold weather, leafless trees and cloudy days. For the boys soccer team, it means something more: the start of their season and the beginning of their ‘Road to State.’ For the past several years, the boys varsity soccer team has swept away their competition and has come one step closer to winning the State title. This year, the ultimate goal of the players is to finally seize that sought-after trophy proclaiming the Plano West Boys Soccer Team as the best in the state.

“Our plan every year is to go to State,” junior Hyun Choi said. “With hard work, dedication and teamwork, we’re working hard to get there.”

After a devastating loss in the third round of playoffs last year, the team watched the State title slip through their fingertips. Although not State champions, the team did place as Regional Quarter Finalists.

“Losing in the third round last year was a heartbreaker,” junior Sam Neicheril said. “We had some injuries and other setbacks, but I feel that this year we can make it back because we have a more balanced roster, and the team chemistry is much better.”

When focusing on a future goal, the past is often forgotten. However, the players realize that they must acknowledge and build upon last year’s season.

“Our loss last year motivates us to do our best to make playoffs again this year,” senior Damon Foncham said. “We always keep our eye on the prize.”

Their impressive results from last season not only bring higher motivation but higher expectations as well.

“I think the fans really have high expectations this year from us,” Foncham said. “We made it three rounds in playoffs last year, and I think they anticipate an even better season this year.”

In the team’s eyes, their biggest threat to the State trophy is the new 6A division. With four more teams added to the district, stakes are much higher.

“The new district is definitely more competitive than last year’s,” Foncham said. “The schools added into the district are all playoff contenders. We will be preparing for each team in practice differently depending on our opponent.”

The team is willing to put in as much work as possible to defeat every team they play throughout their journey to the State championship game, or what they call the ‘Road to State.’ Although obvious in its meaning, the motto means something special to the players constantly chanting it in the back of their heads.

“To us, the ‘Road to State’ means not only winning games and getting that State title, but also getting boys soccer on the map at Plano West,” Neicheril said.

All marching along the same Road, the players have the greatest advantage they could ever ask for: unity.

“Our team fights as a whole,” Choi said. “We all have the desire to win, which helps to motivate each other. That’s what our team is all about: each player showing character and providing examples for one another.”