The Next Wave Cometh: Future Stars Emerging for Little Ponies
by Steve McNotapony
JHANNA, STARBLAYDIA - Ten years. That's all it's taken for the Equestrian States to evolve into an international hoofball powerhouse. Looking back at the national team's history, a pattern can be observed in the emergence of key Equestrian players on the international stage. Three waves of stars with names recognizable to any casual fan of the Ponies have powered the Equestrian States to greater heights than before, continually improving the team to where it is today.
Now, a fourth wave is becoming evident in the roster of the Little Ponies' squad for the 30th Di Bradini Cup. But before we examine the present, let us take a trip down good ol' memory lane to look at the three waves which preceded the newest generation of future stars.
Wave 1: The Pioneers
Top Players: Fire Dash, Starlight Sparkle, High Soarin', Rapid Dash, Subtle Trix
The "Pioneers" were among the first players fielded by the Equestrian States, and made their collective debut at the 45th Baptism of Fire, though with relatively little success. In the Market Cup, however, the Ponies would tear through their opponents on a high-scoring rampage that saw them claim their first (and to-date, only) winners' medals. The team would struggle in their first two qualifying attempts, and head coach Twilight Striker brought some much younger faces to the 60th World Cup qualifying campaign, ushering in the next generation.
Today, only a few of these players remain with the national team, though those who have continued to appear on the international stage have had a tremendous role in the development of their youthful counterparts. Fire Dash and Starlight Sparkle fill the roles of captain and vice-captain respectively, and still rank among the best the Equestrian States has to offer. Though High Soarin' and Subtle Trix have since been dropped out of the squad's starting XI, they are legends in their own rights from a time when their defensive talents were desperately needed by the Ponies.
Wave 2: The Underdogs
Top Players: Cloudchaser, Thunderlane, Flitter, Apple Jack
Joining the national team for World Cup 60, the second wave of stars for the Equestrian States quickly established themselves as leaders of the Ponies in helping guide the team to their first of three playoff appearances and narrowly missing out on the finals in a match with heavily-favored Astograth that took extra time to be decided. Thus, a trend of greatly exceeding expectations began, as the Ponies would pull upset after upset in qualifying to deny higher-ranked teams a place in the playoffs. However, despite the successes of these budding superstars, the Ponies remained unable to break into the World Cup finals, losing in all three of their playoff appearances by extremely narrow margins. A further nudge would be needed to seal the Equestrian States' place in the group stage.
Famous for spearheading countless upsets of higher-ranked teams, the "Underdogs" routinely defied the reasoning of pundits and remain a key part of the Equestrian team today. While some have fallen out of the senior team's ranks, others such as Andrea Molovi and Blackmane have become constants for the Ponies. The second wave of talent for the Equestrian States also boasts some of the first ponies to draw the attention of foreign clubs where they've continued to succeed. Today, the second generation superstars are nearing their best years and will likely remain with the Ponies for the foreseeable future.
Wave 3: The Challengers
Top Players: Rainbow Blitz, Krystal, Gentle Breeze, Pristina Shine, Stardust, Ironhide, Sonar
Wave 4: ???
Top Players: Apple Cobbler, Rumble, Krysia Bailey, Rosie Tyler, Orion Comet
OOC: Still working on this RP, so expect some changes to be made as I make further progress.