![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.gannett-cdn.com\/presto\/2022\/04\/02\/PTX1\/af9f3e69-c8d4-40b2-b548-5054f5ef336d-04012022_Bel_Air_v._Del_valle_boys_soccer-24.jpg?crop=4458,2508,x0,y0&width=660&height=372&format=pjpg&auto=webp\")
<\/p>\nSophomore Kaitlyn Dantley will be key if Eastwood High School’s girls’ soccer team hopes to challenge defending champion Franklin for the Divisions 1-6A championship this season.<\/p>\n
The talented forward\/attacking midfielder helped Eastwood finish second in the division last season, and with a Troopers team just four seniors, Dantley has high hopes for the team and herself. .<\/p>\n
Last year she finished in double figures as an All-City Performer for the El Paso Times.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think my experience last year has helped me and the team grow,\u201d she said. \u201cI believe our team has good chemistry this year.I believe we are bonding more.I believe our districts are more equal this year. .Day.”<\/p>\n
In his first week of play for the team, Dantley scored six goals and provided three assists, showing promise as one of the team leaders.<\/p>\n “Being in an attacking midfield position has helped me and gives me more touch on the ball,” she said. It’s great, I want to help my teammates grow and I want to help the team grow.”<\/p>\n Troopers coach Mike Cataldi said Dantley has come a long way in his short stint with the Eastwood national team.<\/p>\n “Caitlin is very skilled,” he said. “She’s been a great teammate, really positive within our team and has a bright future.”<\/p>\n\n Duntley has been playing football for several years and has played in several big tournaments such as the Surf Cup and Albion Cup, giving him the opportunity to face quality competition.<\/p>\n Read more: Players to watch for the 2023 season<\/strong>El Paso High School Soccer Players, Teams to Watch in 2023<\/p>\n \u201cThese tournaments have been huge for me personally,\u201d said Dantry. \u201cI have grown as a player and have been able to experience many big matches. One of my goals is to play college football and these tournaments certainly help me. \u201d<\/p>\n\n Catalidi, who has been head coach since 2003, said the Troopers have a good chance of achieving big things this year. In addition to Dantley, standouts Zoe Hernandez, Abbie Baumann, and Natalie Luevano help give the Troopers a spark.<\/p>\n The Troopers will face Pebble Hills on Tuesday night in Districts 1-6A.<\/p>\n “I really like our team and the possibilities we have,” said Cataldi. There’s a group of players that want to compete, and I consider Franklin a favorite in the district, and last year we were able to push them, and we’re doing better. \u201cWe have to keep improving, work hard and maintain the team mentality. We have good districts, tough districts. All of us coaches respect each other. It will be a challenge every game.”<\/p>\n\n![\"Kaitlyn](\"https:\/\/www.gannett-cdn.com\/presto\/2023\/01\/12\/PTX1\/2ba07c50-1738-4732-94b9-5608df303b1c-Kaitlyn_Duntley.jpg?width=300&height=650&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp\")