Livingston Academy senior captain Saige Howard helped steady the Lady Wildcats at halftime on the way to a 4-2 district tournament victory over Cumberland County.
Howard said the rematch carried extra significance after Cumberland County defeated Livingston in double overtime during the regular season, ending the Lady Wildcats’ district undefeated streak that dated to 2019.
“To me personally, it meant a lot because I, like, ever since I’ve played for Livingston Academy as a freshman, losing to anyone in the district was honestly just unheard of,” Howard said. “And so getting beat in a double overtime didn’t leave a great taste in my mouth, and I’m sure it didn’t for my teammates either.”
Howard noticed a change in her teammates’ body language during the first half of the tournament rematch and decided the group needed to regain its confidence.
“Soccer is a mental sport, and I could tell when we were about to go back that they needed to hear that we could do this, they just needed encouragement, especially from someone who is also in the same shoes as them, who’s playing the sport, who’s on the field,” Howard said.
Howard asked the coaches for an opportunity to address the team following their halftime adjustments.
“I told them that was something we could handle, we could kick it out of bounds or we could just break them down and be calm on the ball,” Howard said. “That’s the encouragement I gave to them.”
Livingston gained momentum early in the second half after a foul in the penalty area resulted in a successful penalty kick. Howard finished the match with a goal and an assist.
“I balanced by keeping a positive mindset,” Howard said. “Because I can say whatever I want to, I can give encouragement, but without contributing on the field, my words mean nothing.”
Howard said her approach to leadership extends beyond matches and into the example she sets for Livingston’s younger players.
“I hope that what I leave for the freshmen, sophomores, and juniors, I hope they see that we shouldn’t complain and keeping a positive attitude no matter what we’re doing, even if it’s silly or if it doesn’t make sense, that makes all the difference and it makes practice worth coming to and it makes it enjoyable for everyone,” Howard said.
Howard also encouraged younger players to accept instruction as they develop.
“Being coachable, you’re not going to know everything, your coaches know more than you and they’re wanting to make you better,” Howard said. “Having a positive mindset makes you an enjoyable teammate, it makes you someone that people want to come to.”