Guidance Counselor Jason Lessard made a huge leap this soccer season from coach of the girls freshman team to assistant girls varsity coach.

Lessard admitted that there are differences between the two teams.

“I’d say one of the biggest differences is that the team at the varsity level, they all already know each other,” Lessard said. “They’re already good friends and most of them worked with each other the year before. When you are at the freshman level it’s their first bonding experience so it’s a little bit different in that regard.”

But Lessard also sees similarities between the two teams.

“Overall there’s a lot of unity and a lot of bonding whether you’re at the freshman level or at the varsity level,” Lessard said. “There’s always moments of learning for the players. They’re always trying to get better and always working toward the next thing, so a lot of the things are very similar.”

The varsity team is off to an impressive start, with eight wins in as many games. However, Lessard sees that there are challenges in coaching such a successful team.

“Everyone is so talented and so skilled. When we’re doing so well and winning by so much, how do you keep the momentum?” Lessard said. “How do you keep the intensity up after doing so well?”

The team lost in the CMass championship for the past three straight years. Expectations are high this season, but Lessard isn’t focused only on winning.

“My hope is that they’re connecting with each other and making long lasting friendships and that they’ll remember the year after it’s gone,” Lessard said. “Second to that is winning. But they should look back and be proud of what they did, regardless of whether they win or lose.”