The DSN Girls Soccer League wrapped up another unforgettable season this November, marking one of its strongest years. With over 150 girls participating from first through eighth grade, the league brought together families, friends, and an entire community.
What makes the DSN Soccer League so special isn’t just the sport, it’s the people. Every team is led by volunteer parent-coaches, both moms and dads, who pour their time, energy, and heart into giving the girls the best experience possible. Their dedication shaped the league this year, creating an environment that was not only structured and skillful but joyful and positive.
“There’s nothing like coming to the field and seeing everyone there,” one parent shared, and this season delivered that feeling week after week. With beautiful weather throughout the fall and even New York families making the weekly trip to join the league, DSN’s reputation for excellence, warmth, and high-caliber play continues to grow.
At its core, the league is about confidence, helping young girls feel empowered to step onto the field, take chances, and support one another. They learn how to play as a team, how to balance competitiveness with camaraderie, and how to develop the fundamentals, passing, defending, spacing, and strategy. As the girls get older, their play becomes increasingly controlled and tactical, and this year’s older divisions showed remarkable skill and maturity.
The goalies, in particular, stood out, fearless, focused, and fully owning one of the toughest positions on the field. Across divisions, the games were exciting and intense. The oldest group had tight matchups all season, with no game decided by more than two goals. They responded each week to high-pressure situations with grit and mental toughness.
First grade soccer coach, Joe Silvera, reflected on the season with pride. “This season was our best yet. It was incredible to see so many parents and grandparents on the sidelines, and they were treated to overtime thrillers, shootouts, last-minute goals, and standout performances.” DSN’s Girls Sports Coordinator, Danielle Shemueli, and her team created a fun, disciplined environment that kept the girls engaged and smiling all season. Silvera continued, “Coaching is the highlight of my fall, and it’s a gift for our family to start every Sunday on such a positive note.”
Danielle echoed those sentiments, sharing just how meaningful the experience is for her and her staff. “Running the girls DSN leagues is honestly the most rewarding job in the world. I get to watch these girls grow from first through eighth grade, watching their love of the game get stronger, their confidence build, and their personalities really come alive on the field. I love seeing the parents get passionate, the volunteer coaches fully invested, and the community filling the fields on a crisp Sunday morning in late October. The noise, the cheering, the little moments on the sidelines, it’s the most wholesome and satisfying atmosphere. We live for those moments: the friendships, the laughs, the tough plays, the falling down and getting right back up again.”
That spirit was on full display during the fifth through seventh grade championship game, a triple-overtime shootout that had the entire field holding its breath. “The girls fought for every second of that game, and you could feel how badly they wanted it,” Danielle said. “When it was over, every single girl walked away knowing she played her absolute best.” DSN’s Executive Director Sammy Sitt summarized, “Our girls soccer league continues to be a place where girls grow not just as athletes, but as confident young women, and where the community comes together in the most meaningful way. I am extremely proud of our staff, coaches, parents, and certainly our players for a hugely successful season. May Hashem continue to bless DSN!”
