Since Grace Lanspeary ‘25 was 5 years old, she has played soccer with her father, varsity head coach Bill Lanspeary. She was pulled up to varsity during her sophomore year, and since then, the two have shared the LT field. Now, as the team enters its playoff season, those moments are coming to an end. 

“It means a lot to be playing my last soccer season ever with my dad,” G. Lanspeary said. “Soccer has always been something we have shared, and having him there to support me has made the game even more special. It’s bittersweet knowing it’s the last time we will play together.” 

This is B. Lanspeary’s 23rd year with LT soccer, and his 19th year as the girls varsity head coach. Last year, the team finished with a 19-4-2 record, winning regionals and sectionals before ultimately losing to New Trier in the super-sectional game. This year, the team hopes to contend for a conference championship, compete in their two tournaments, and make a deep run into the state playoffs.   

“[I love] watching the players grow individually and come together as a team,” B. Lanspeary said. “It’s also amazing to see how hard our players compete. I am in awe of their skill, work ethic, and competitiveness. It’s fun to see.”

Girls soccer participates in a variety of team bonding activities throughout the season, G. Lanspeary said. The team has participated in a variety of activities such as pasta parties, watching girls lacrosse games, and a combined practice with boys volleyball.

“[This team] seems to get along really well,” B. Lanspeary said.  “There’s a lot of talent, and I think we have players that want to win for each other and not for themselves.”

The team’s culture overall is very positive, G. Lanspeary said. The girls develop many strong friendships throughout the season in order to work together as a team. 

“The thing I will miss about LT soccer is my teammates,” G. Lanspeary said.

The girls practice or play six days a week, B. Lanspeary said. Two or three times a week, the team plays in games, and the rest of the week they practice for two hours, either from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. or 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Up until spring break, the girls practiced on Bennett Field, and after the break, they transitioned to playing on the NC West Field. During practice, the girls focus on a variety of skills, including technical exercises such as passing and receiving, possession and small-sided games, and scrimmages. 

“It’s important to create good habits and practice hard,” B. Lanspeary said. “When the pressure of the game happens, players fall back on the habits and things we work on in practice.”

Girls soccer plays next on May 20 at 5 p.m. in the first round of IHSA Regionals at home on Bennett Field.