News Photo by Steve Jakubcin The 2025 Alpena High School girls varsity soccer team poses for a photo.

ALPENA — As the Alpena High School girls varsity soccer team heads into another season, head coach Gregg Supiran is focused on developing a competitive and cohesive squad. His vision for the team goes beyond the X’s and O’s of soccer, emphasizing technical growth, teamwork, and valuable life lessons.

When asked about the team’s overall goals, Supiran shared that his main focus is on continuous improvement.

“I would like to see the team improving their competitive edge with each team they face,” Supiran said. “It is my desire for the girls to improve each day in both their technical and tactical skills.”

This commitment to growth reflects Supiran’s desire to build a strong foundation that will not only make the team more competitive but also instill valuable skills that players can carry with them both on and off the field.

Team chemistry is another area where Supiran has seen noticeable progress. He believes that fostering a positive and collaborative environment is crucial to success.

“I believe the team’s chemistry and attitude have improved this year from a few previous years,” he said. “This has been evidenced by good team conversation and morale. I expect it to only help us in both practice and games.”

While victories on the field are important, Supiran emphasized the bigger picture of personal growth.

“I have always maintained a desire for players to learn lifelong lessons and become stronger individuals,” he said. “It is good to remember that those lessons are learned with both losses and wins.”

To keep the team focused and motivated, Supiran employs a variety of strategies.

“We keep focused and motivated by varying our practices, creating a positive atmosphere, and participating in team bonding activities,” he explained.

By keeping practices fresh and fostering a sense of camaraderie through team-building activities, Supiran ensures that the players stay engaged and connected.

As the season progresses, Supiran’s focus on improvement, teamwork, and personal growth will play a key role in the team’s development, both on and off the field.

The team plays tonight against Sault Area High School at 5 p.m.