LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The first day of school ends at The Academy @ Shawnee as students disperse from the building.

Student athletes on the high school football team make their way onto the new turf field. But they'll be sharing the field for practice on this day. On the opposite end of the field, the boys soccer team also prepares for training.

It's the first time in school history Shawnee has a boys soccer team, according to coach Jay Gravatte. While there aren't goal posts and nets yet, there is plenty of interest in the new team.

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Shawnee boys soccer coach Jay Gravatte shares instruction at a practice in Louisville, Ky. on Aug. 8, 2024.

"I wanted to do something that has never been done before, and that's starting a soccer program at Shawnee," Gravatte said. "Giving these kids an opportunity to showcase their talents, let them feel like they are part of something special."

Without much soccer experience, Malik Ricklefs joined the team for his senior year.

"It's an up-and-coming program, I want to be able to show out and be a part of something new," Ricklefs said. "I can't wait for our first match, everybody expects us to be trash since we're new, but we're going to show them something different."

On the first day of school, Ricklefs said teachers and classmates asked him about the new team. They started practicing in the summer and had 21 players participate after the first day of school.

"If we keep having great practices, it's not going to be hard for us to be successful starting out of the gate," Gravatte said. "Let's take some raw talent and unlock a world of potential in each and every one of them."

The team has a range of soccer experience. While most players haven't had the chance to play club soccer or in competitive leagues, some have grown up playing the sport around their neighborhoods or recreationally.

"I'm still learning, I'm progressing faster than usual," Ricklefs said. "It's a step-by-step process."

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Ilham Barekzai participates in Shawnee boys soccer practice in Louisville, Ky. on Aug. 8, 2024.

Sophomore Ilham Barekzai played soccer in Indonesia before moving to the U.S. He wanted to join the team to become better connected to his school.

"To be a part of the school, to play sports, to practice," Barekzai said.

Gravatte, who teaches at Shawnee, is up for the challenge of starting a new program. He coached boys soccer at Fairdale, winning five district titles and reaching the Sixth Region final three times, and also Central girls soccer. 

"I like being in a situation where I can teach kids to overcome the odds, overcome their obstacles," Gravatte said. "I want to be there for these kids too, help them have a chip on their shoulder, and try to surprise people. I think we're in a position to do that at Shawnee."

The team has also received some community support in getting ready for its inaugural season. Soccer equipment like cleats, shin guards, balls and more have been collected and donated.

"What we're doing at Shawnee is a reflection when the soccer community comes together," Gravatte said. "We've had a lot of stuff donated and we're grateful for that."

A team store has been set up to further support Shawnee. To visit the team store, click here.

Shawnee is scheduled to kick off its season on Aug. 21 against Valley. Before then, Gravatte said the team is focused on what positions fit the players' skills best, although it could take a few games to figure it all out.

Ricklefs said the team's goal is to win.

"I feel like this season we're going to take the city by storm," Ricklefs said.

With a new team on a new field, Shawnee has a new sense of pride this fall. 

"Definitely show people that we are Shawnee, and we are able to show the entire state we are great," Barekzai said.

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Shawnee boys soccer gather to talk at practice in Louisville, Ky. on Aug. 8, 2024.

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