White Station’s soccer team has had a season of highs and lows, including finishing second in the city championship and second in the district, but also handling having a roster with little experience. For Luke Meng (12), who has been on the team for all four years of high school, the team’s journey reflects a story bigger than the record.
The team’s biggest challenge is the lack of depth on the roster, according to Meng. The pandemic left the program with fewer seniors than a typical roster, and when starters begin to get injured or are barred from playing by a red card, the team suffers.
“Because of COVID, we have less players who are seniors right now,” Meng said. “If one of them happens to get hurt, or they get a red card and can’t play the next game, that means we’re missing a starter without someone as experienced to replace them, which is very problematic.”
The contrast with other, larger programs in the city makes the issue more apparent. White Station, unlike many other schools, does not actively recruit players.
“You’ll see teams like Christian Brothers with an entire roster where all the starters are seniors, and also a bench with like five more seniors, and we have five seniors total,” Meng said.
The program, despite these challenges, has still grown in meaningful ways over Meng’s four years. More coaches have joined the staff, including former players. Meng notes that the most significant change has been a shift in team chemistry.
“Before, there was a small group coaching and everything,” Meng said. “This year, we’re all pretty good friends.”
One of the most unique parts about White Station’s roster is its diversity, reflecting the school’s population as a whole. Meng describes a team made up of players from different backgrounds and cultures.
“We used to joke about how we probably have the most diverse soccer team in Memphis,” Meng said. “It’s true. We have people who just came from Africa, Asians, Hispanic people, white people, just people of all different backgrounds. The fact that we’re all so different brings us together, where we don’t form our own little groups anymore.”
Meng has developed a leadership role on the team because of his experience and position as a senior. Although he enjoys soccer and plans to continue playing recreationally, he will not play on a team in college. He is committed to Columbia University.
“[My favorite part of soccer] is probably after, like, a long day of school, just going out and having fun at practice,” Meng said. “It is a great way to let loose.”