The St. Pius X girls soccer team (16-0) has been ranked number one, according to a March 31 poll conducted by the Adidas® National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA). The news came just days before the team’s April 3 region 5-AAA championship match against Druid Hills High School, which St. Pius won 6-0 to remain undefeated.

St. Pius principal Steve Spellman indicated his tremendous pride in the efforts of second-year head coach Sara Geiger and the team.

“Our entire school family is elated with the recent news that our girls’ soccer team is currently ranked number one in the United States,” said Spellman. “What a wonderful tribute and validation of the work ethic and dedication of a very talented group of young ladies.”

The team has remained strong in the face of tough competition all season.

“I look forward to every practice and every game,” remarked Coach Geiger. “We use them as tools to get better, and that is what we are out here to do. We want to make sure every girl on our team becomes a better soccer player and a better person than she was at the beginning of the season.”

While the players are ecstatic about the ranking, they’re trying to maintain level heads about the news.

Senior co-captain Alex Schulte said, “Knowing that we are ranked number one in the nation is an incredible feeling, especially since we have worked so hard this season.” She added, “But now I know we have to work that much harder to stay at the top. I think being number one will push us more to show everyone we deserve to be here.”

The team resumes play Tuesday, April 14 (senior night), hosting Flowery Branch High School.