Caroline Howard

Setting up for her kick, junior and varsity forward, Meredith Koltz, swings her leg for the goal she is about to score. The varsity team is currently 7-2-1 and plays Buda Hays tonight on the home field at 7:15 p.m. “I think this team is full of amazing individuals who all have the same goal of wanting to compete with the best and play our best soccer,” Koltz said. “I have high expectations for this team and I know with our chemistry and worth ethic we can get just about anything accomplished.” Photo by Caroline Howard

Steam from the players rises up into the dark sky as the game continues. The ball gets thrown into the air, heading straight towards the huddle of players. One distinct player runs straight through, stealing the ball away from the crowd heading straight to the goal. At this point, it’s a one v. one to determine the game winner.

Since she was three years old, junior Meredith Koltz has played her favorite sport, soccer. Since freshman year, Koltz has been on the Varsity team and her only con would be the six a.m. morning practice.

“At first it was hard; the level of soccer was not my issue though,” Koltz said. “I found myself mainly struggling socially during my freshman year. I feel that now I have truly found a family of people and a great team to be with.”

Koltz is a forward striker, whose main objective is to create space and is responsible for scoring goals.

“My favorite [position] to play is forward/winger,” Koltz said. “That’s mainly because I love the freedom to run and be creative up top.”

As well as for the school soccer team, Koltz plays for the Sting Austin ECNL Club. The league plays on the national level and in order to be a part of the team, players have to try out. The league offers high-level training and hosts games and tournaments for players to be scouted at.

“I train everyday, whether it is high school or club soccer; I make sure I grow as an athlete every day,” Kotlz said. “Playing for my team motivates me the best. I work for them, I go the extra mile for them. Any and every sacrifice is for the team I represent and work for.”

The girls varsity soccer team is currently 7-2-1 with six district games left in the season. The next home game is tonight at 7:15 p.m.

“I think this team is full of amazing individuals who all have the same goal of wanting to compete with the best and play our best soccer,” Koltz said. “I have high expectations for this team and I know with our chemistry and worth ethic we can get just about anything accomplished.”

After high school, Koltz plans on attending college and hopes to play soccer for whichever schools she attends.

“I am currently working very hard on getting seen by college coaches and going through the recruiting process diligently,” Koltz said. “I want to play for a school that I can have an impact on and that will set me up for success both on and off the field.”

Koltz has had her fair share of awards as well. Last year, Koltz won the 5A District Most Valuable Player, THSCA Super Elite Team, Academic All-District Award, Texas Girls 5A All-State Team, Cedar Park High School Most Valuable Player and the Top Goal Scorer in our District (5A Region 4). 

“[The awards] make me proud,” Koltz said. “It is not easy proving yourself day-in and day-out, but if it makes the team better, I believe it is worth it.”

Whether it’s bruises, breaks or tears, Koltz has been through lots of injuries. However, she said setbacks do not bring her down.

“The biggest effect [injuries] have had on me would be the state of rest [they put me in]—I do not like sitting out or resting so if I am hurt sometimes my lack of rest further induces my injury,” Koltz said. “Through communicating with my coaches and physical therapist, I have found my recoveries take place faster and prevent more injuries.”

Koltz said that the best part about being on the soccer team is that she is never alone. The whole program represents the same beliefs as her and always strives for the best of her playing ability.

“My favorite memory would have to be any and every goal scored by our program,” Koltz said. “Whether I am scoring or someone else, the energy is amazing. We are hugging, screaming, jumping and cheering for one another with such passion. It allows me to escape any mistake previously made and truly embrace the passion we all have for the game.”