Reaching the finals of the USYS Presidents Cup was more than a testament to this team's skill—it was a celebration of growth, chemistry, and unwavering mental toughness forged through years of shared effort.

From the first whistle, it was clear this team wasn’t just prepared to compete—they were ready to evolve. Midfielder Michael Zysnarski (#8) captured that spirit, saying, “As the season went on, I realized constructive criticism is necessary to help improve my teammates’ mentality. Team dinners and little conversations in our group chat really helped build trust and chemistry on the field.”

That trust was put to the test in the group stages with a rare defeat—an unfamiliar moment in an otherwise dominant season. But rather than letting it shake them, they used it as fuel.  As defender Max Sansom (#4) recalled, “We were outmatched. But we didn’t take it hard—we used it to fuel our next game, where we won 9-0 in the semifinals.”

Resilience like that became a defining trait. Playing through Missouri's intense heat was a challenge on its own, especially for a team more accustomed to Michigan's cooler climate.  But they didn't just survive - they adapted.  Defender Travis Claypool (#18) reflected, “We adjusted to the heat—and a brand-new formation. We’d only used one all season, but when we had to shift, we did. It made us stronger, and it won us games.”

That kind of adaptability doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built over time, through shared struggles and stronger bonds. Team manager Amanda Claypool reflected on that journey: “I’ve watched these boys grow together for over 13 years—through injuries, weather, setbacks. They’ve played in bitter cold, pouring rain, blazing heat, and always pushed forward. Their friendships are life-long. They’ve become amazing young men.”

Through it all, unity remained the heartbeat of this team.
“Many of these players have been together for years, and the newer ones fit right in,” said Cecchini. “They play for each other. They care. And they play with heart.”

He captured the heart of the season with one reflection:
“This season was about more than wins and losses—it was about brotherhood. The players who grew up together, and the ones who became family, were all in. Through every obstacle, they stayed committed to one another. That loss in the final doesn’t define us. The way we carried ourselves all season—that’s our legacy.”

Manager Amanda Claypool shared a similar perspective:
“I hope these players look back and remember more than the results. I hope they smile thinking about camping in Petoskey, dancing at Great Wolf Lodge, or being snowed out in Chicago. These memories go far beyond the field. It’s been a privilege to be part of this team.”

In the eyes of their coach, one thing became clear: resilience, unity, and heart defined this group.  In the end, the final score didn’t capture everything they accomplished—because this team wasn’t just a finalist.

They were a force.