The Liberty High School girls’ soccer program pushed its limits during an 18-hour Soccerthon fundraiser on Saturday, Jan. 24. The marathon was designed to raise money for new team attire and equipment. The all-day event, organized by Coach Logan Hoffman alongside the senior captains, brought players together for a full day and night of nonstop soccer, teamwork, and endurance.
The goal of the Soccerthon was to raise funds to update the program’s clothing and gear. According to junior Cayden Karpavich, the money raised will go toward new winter coats, plain jackets, and other team attire, as well as updated equipment. “The stuff we have right now is kind of old, so we’re getting new clothing and things like that.”
The event followed a round-robin tournament format, with players split into teams that competed against each other in 40-minute scrimmages. Games continued throughout the entire 18 hours, making it a true test of physical and mental stamina.
For Karpavich, the hardest part was how long the Soccerthon lasted. “My first game was at 6 a.m., and my last game was at midnight for the championships,” she said. “We were at the school the entire time, just playing soccer over and over again. It was super long and super exhausting.”
Despite how tired players were, they found ways to stay motivated. Music played throughout the event, food was available, and an energy drink helped keep players going. “We drank a lot of Red Bulls,” Cayden said. Some players grabbed quick naps on the ground between games, while others stayed awake the entire time.
Although the Soccerthon was physically demanding, it was also an opportunity for teammates to connect. Karpavich said her favorite part of the event was spending time with her teammates. “It was really good team bonding. Even though it was super long, it was so fun to just hang out with everyone and play all day.”
With all the time they had together, it helped players learn more about each other off the field. While the event wasn’t focused on teaching new soccer skills, it strengthened relationships within the team. “I learned more about my teammates,” Karpavich said. “When you’re together for 18 hours straight, you get to know everyone really fast.”
By the end of the Soccerthon, players were tired but proud of what they accomplished. The fundraiser not only supported the soccer program with much-needed updates, but it also created lasting memories for the team.
This 18-hour-long Soccerthon proved that the program’s success is built on more than just competition. Through dedication, teamwork and endurance, players came together to support their program and each other, showing that the strongest victories can even happen off the scoreboard.
