Deerfield defender Addy Margulis figured the beginning of her high school soccer career would be uneventful, at least for her.
Two years ago, the Warriors were seemingly full of veterans, including then-senior midfielder Emily Fox. But coach Rich Grady had a spot in the lineup for a freshman like Margulis.
“I was extremely nervous,” she said. “We had a ton of seniors. I wasn’t expecting to play. But one of the seniors, like Madeline Stevens, prepared me. She sat me down before our first game and told me what to expect.
“I was definitely worried, but after the first couple of games, my nerves settled, and I got the hang of it. I quickly learned how to get through challenges.”
Indeed, challenges don’t faze Margulis, who has been a staple on Deerfield’s back line ever since. With her physical play, the Warriors (14-10-2) posted 10 shutouts during their run to a Class 2A regional title last season, and she produced at the other end of the field, too, recording three goals and five assists.
So the Warriors have high hopes as Margulis and junior forward Leah Cohen, who had 23 goals and 14 assists last year, begin their junior season.
“Addy is dominant in the air and loves 1v1 battles,” Deerfield coach Rich Grady said. “She plays the game so physical and tough, but she doesn’t get yellow cards. She tackles cleanly too.
“She scores goals as well. She has a long throw-in and can launch balls into the penalty area. She’s a great weapon.”
Deerfield senior defender Samantha Block highlighted Margulis’ physicality.
“Addy is one of the most physical players I know and is very intelligent in the way she does so,” Block said.
Deerfield senior defender Lauren Jones agrees.
“Addy has incredible awareness and decision-making on the field,” Jones said. “She steps strong into every challenge and never backs down from balls on the ground or in the air. Her physicality and agility make her an incredibly valuable player in the back.”
Margulis said playing defense fits her personality.
“I like the physicality aspect of soccer, where you can see the entire field and be very vocal,” she said. “I’m always talking and laughing, so being talkative translates to my game. It’s one of the things that helps not only my team, but it keeps me engaged.”
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Margulis keeps her teammates engaged too.
“She is extremely vocal and communicates with everyone, keeping them organized,” Jones said. “She always has her teammates’ backs and will often give constructive criticism. She also has contagious positive energy.”
Grady said he’s excited to see what more Margulis can do with two varsity seasons under her belt.
“We had a really small senior class last year, which forced her to grow up quickly, and there would be no more fading into the background,” Grady said. “We put so much more responsibility and expectations on her.”
Margulis expects more from herself too.
“I think I’m more comfortable in dangerous situations, and in 1v1s, I know how to go about them better than I did in the past couple of years,” she said. “My distribution of the ball is definitely better. I tried to improve in several areas to become a better soccer player and help my team win.”
Bobby Narang is a freelance reporter.