Tanner Kratil is ready to kick during a game against Elmira. Theo Tuori
Aaron Martinez ’26: Could you introduce yourself and tell me a little bit about you?
Tanner Kratil ’26: I’m a junior on the varsity soccer team. I play center midfield, and I’ve been playing soccer for about twelve years now, ever since I was a little kid.
AM: What have been the biggest successes of the team this year?
TK: We had a really strong season. We won almost all our games, and now we’re in the STAC [Southern Tier Athletic Conference] finals, which is huge for us.
AM: Do you think you’re going to win?
TK: I hope so, it’s gonna be an amazing match.
AM: Are you playing a team you’ve already played this season? Are they good?
TK: They’re alright; I have confidence in the team though.
AM: You seem very confident! Have you faced any challenges on the team this year, whether player-to-player or team-to-team?
TK: Honestly, not really. We’ve had a smooth season. We have a lot of chemistry on the team which has helped us stay strong throughout the year.
AM: Chemistry? Can you elaborate on that?
TK: Yeah, we work really well together as a unit. Everyone knows their role, and we trust each other, which makes a huge difference in games
AM: That’s great! Because Ithaca is one of the bigger teams in the region, do you think that presents any challenges or benefits, or a bit of both?
TK: It definitely brings some challenges. Being one of the top teams, we have a big target on our backs. Everyone wants to beat us, so every game feels like it’s more intense.
AM: What kind of target?
TK: Well, when you’re known as one of the best teams, other teams see beating you as an achievement. It makes them play more aggressively, and sometimes, the refs don’t call everything.
AM: So you’re saying most teams are more physical with you guys rather than other teams?
TK: Yeah, they’re definitely more physical than usual, and the refs sometimes let things slide. We just have to stay focused and not let it get to us.
AM: How has your season gone personally? This is your debut season for the varsity team, right?
TK: Yeah, it’s my first year on varsity, and I think it’s gone really well. I’ve made some key plays and contributed a lot to the team’s success, which I’m proud of.
AM: What’s been your favorite part of the soccer season so far?
TK: Honestly, winning has been the best part. Every win feels great, especially when we’ve worked hard for it.
AM: Can you elaborate on that? Any specific moment that stands out?
TK: Definitely when we played against Oneonta and won 3-0 in the STAC semifinals. That win got us into the finals, and it was such a big moment for the whole team.
AM: That’s great! What role did you play in getting the team to the finals?
TK: I got a lot of minutes on the field and played really well throughout the game. I think my positioning and passing helped us control the midfield, which made a big difference.
AM: Next year, you’ll be a senior. Do you think you’ll take up a leadership role?
TK: Actually, our team doesn’t have permanent captains. The coach randomly picks a captain for each game, but leadership happens more during practice and off the field. As a senior, I’ll definitely try to lead by example and help the younger guys develop.
AM: Have you had the opportunity to be captain yet?
TK: Yeah, I’ve had the chance, and we won that game 4-0. It felt good to step up and lead, and the team really came together for that match.
AM: Wow! Hopefully, the coach will give you more leadership opportunities. What happens after STAC?
TK: After STAC, we move on to Sectionals, which is another big tournament. It’s going to be tough because we’ll be playing some strong teams, but I think we can handle it.
AM: Who’s someone you enjoy playing with? They could be an old or a newer teammate.
TK: I’ve been playing with these guys my whole life, so no one is really new, but I do want to shout out Joonho. He’s been great this season, and it’s always fun playing with him.
AM: Thanks for your time, Tanner. Best of luck in the finals!
TK: Thanks! I appreciate it.
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