It all began at Zaitz Field in September, 2000, when the U11 Premier girls team was formed and the players chose the name ‘The Breakaways’. No one who was present at its genesis would have predicted the incredible journey that was to follow.  This is what makes such things so thrilling!

The girls began that season competing in Flight 4 of the Mid-NJ league with no particular expectations. The enduring strengths that were evident even at this age were their intelligence, coachability and group cohesion. They didn’t like losing much either! This group certainly enjoyed being with each other and were completely selfless. Quite simply, they always put the team first! And so did the parents!

The team continued to work hard and always placed an emphasis on having fun. This was the player-coach contract. We all understood that without fun it would never work. As a by-product, they moved successfully through the divisions in the Mid-NJ league and during the U14 season, amazingly reached the Semifinal of the NJ National Championship series with a dramatic PK win over Manalapan, a MAPS team. Inspired by this achievement, they moved up to a higher standard of play by entering the JAGS league.

Increasingly the team began to believe in themselves. Coupled with a unique chemistry and a growing physical and mental toughness, the team continued to progress, losing only two of their nineteen league games over the next two seasons. At the end of the U16 season, they travelled to Italy for an incredible 10-day tour of Como, Milan, Florence and Tuscany, and during this time played against three professional teams, including the Italian champions, Fiamma Monza. This was a wonderful experience both on and off the field with memories to last a lifetime!

At U17 the team was accepted into the MAPS division and were then playing the top ten teams in New Jersey. This was the greatest test yet and inspired them to work incredibly hard. Some players aspired to play in college, while others did not, but that didn't change how hard they worked! The team reached five tournament finals out of the seven they entered, winning three and being co-champions in another. At U18 they continued their success as finalists at the March Madness in Baltimore, Quarterfinalists in the NJ National Championships and winning the Premier Flight at the prestigious Columbian tournament in June.

The WWP Breakaways finished the U18 season as one of the top ten teams in New Jersey under all three ranking sites. They reached seven championship games in their last ten tournaments! In addition, ten of the players were from West Windsor! Eleven of the players will definitely go on to play in college next year! (See below.)

This is a fantastic achievement by a wonderful and inspiring group of young ladies who were always a credit to the club, their parents and coaches. If asked about their experiences, I would imagine the girls would talk more about the friendships, the funny stories and the enjoyable memories than the trophies. These young women were mature beyond their years and knew what it was all about!! Well done girls and good luck in college!! We will miss you!

By Pat McCarry
Head Coach, WWP Breakaways

Breakaways Tournament Summary

Mercer 33 and All State Selection Players

Hannah Deming
Catherine Galton
Angela Lenzo
Kira Mangone
Lily Pepper

JAGS Scholarship Awards

Top Award: Hannah Deming
Award: Angela Lenzo

Playing in College