Teammates and coaches think of their captain as a family member on, and off the field.
By Levi Brown
Sometimes statistics don’t tell the whole story.
The Pirates are headed for their second winning season in three years, but this one feels different.
A few years ago, after a big win the players would get frozen yogurt together. But on April 9, after beating Chapel Hill for the first time in 20 years, the team celebrated by getting ‘hype’ on the bus.
The culture shift can’t just be attributed to one person. It was a team effort, spearheaded by head coach Sarah Cade Holland.
“It used to be very cliquey with groups of people based on interests, based on talent, based on dedication to the team,” Cade said. “I’ve seen those different groups come together with one goal in mind which is to have a team that’s like a family.”
Since taking over as head coach in 2023, Cade has focused on building morale and chemistry off the field. For example, in addition to practices and games the team also performs community outreach projects, like an April 17 field trip to Club Boulevard elementary school to assist with its annual field day.
“The program used to be in the hands of people who weren’t really interested in anything but winning games or building the team around one person’s skill set,” said Cade.
Senior leadership is another key component of a team’s culture, which is why she selected Senior Subi Tallmadge to be one of three captains on this year’s team.
“Since she became a captain [the culture] has really improved,” said senior Maya Hopkins. “It helped that Coach Cade and her worked together.”
“My priority as a coach is trying to focus on how we better the team by bettering the group,” said Cade. “It’s not about individuals, it’s about the group as a whole, and Subi feels the same way.”
Tallmadge, who plays center back, is more than just a player on the field. While the other captains, senior midfielder Zoe Cordell and junior goalkeeper Kensey Craft, are among the team leaders in statistical categories, much of her work as a captain happens after games and practices.
“I’ll reach out to teammates when they’re feeling down, or after games that are rough,” she said.
Team members and coaches alike said the team is like a family and described Tallmadge’s role in shifting the culture as that of a big sister.
“She acts like family, and helps you with whatever you need,” said freshman Grace Simpson. “Subi is definitely a great captain, when we get off track, she’s there to make sure we get back on track, she’s very encouraging, and she knows what she’s doing, so it’s great to have her as a captain.”
Tallmadge seemed to be touched by these words, when she learned about her teammates’ comments in a follow-up interview.
“It’s sweet! I’ve never thought about it like that, but I really appreciate it,” she said through chuckles.
Tallmadge has been in the game since she was eight years old playing in the Durham Girls Soccer League, and she still has the same love for the game she used to have.
“I love being a part of a team and the energy around it keeps me excited,” Tallmadge said. “I remind myself why I was picked to be captain, and why I’m on the field.”
The Pirates are currently 11-9-2 at the time of writing. With six regular season games remaining and a shot to both win the conference and qualify for the state playoffs, everyone appreciates their captain even more.
“Subi just embodies everything I’ve wanted for the head of this program,” Cade said. “She’s a good student, she’s a good player, she’s very caring, and she’s a hard worker.”
“She’ll encourage you, and tell you when you did really well,” said Hopkins. “She makes a good environment.”
“I feel like every team has that senior who’s very good, and she’s that to me,” said Simpson. “She’s just a great captain.”
