Editor’s note: Athlete of the month is released by ASB a week after the month ends. Stories on each athlete are delayed for this reason.
Kate Conway (11) was recognized as the January Athlete of the Month for her contributions to the girls varsity soccer team. Team captain Conway competes as a center back and outside back and has “loved the game of soccer” for 13 years. Now, it is Conway’s third year playing soccer for the school and second on the varsity team.
Conway starts at center back, where her efforts contribute to the team’s defensive area. Varsity girls soccer coach, Martin Hansford, describes her as “combative, assertive and cerebral” calling her “an alpha.”
“She is an outstanding defender without the ball and threads the game so well and makes brilliant decisions [in] every action in every game,” Hansford said. “In possession, she has clarity and through and makes good decisions with that ball to help us attack in our age model.”
Teammate and friend Maya Washington (11), who plays center midfield and forward, said that Conway is one of the team’s “lead goal scorers,” and has “scored multiple header goals from corners.
“She also is one of our starting center backs and locks it down in defense,” Washington said. “I have never seen Kate give up on any ball or play.”
Coach Hansford credits Conway’s growth through leadership skills this season. As a result, Conway was named team captain midseason, describing the decision as “thoroughly deserved and important to our program.”
Washington said Conway’s “grit and work ethic” make her stand out; she “sets the example for how hard the rest of the team should be working.”
When off the field, Conway “motivates her teammates in a positive and encouraging way,” according to Washington.
Conway believes communication is central to the team’s success.
“We have team talks before games to communicate the things we desire and need to work on,” Conway said. “I focus on being super open and very communicative.”
For mental preparation, Conway finds comfort in listening to the same Spotify playlist prior to each match.
“I keep self-talk positive and focus on how I can play my best in the game,” Conway said.
She trains by practicing with her team during the week and going for runs on days off or weekends.
To balance a varsity sport, school and social life, Conway stays proactive.
“I get my work done right when it’s assigned,” Conway said.
She enjoys spending time with her teammates, going to the beach and being outdoors with friends.
Conway’s goals for the remainder of the season are to win Open Division California Interscholastic Federation and Division I state championships with the team, while also enjoying time with them and making lasting memories. After high school, Conway plans to attend a four-year university. For younger players wanting to pursue soccer at the high school level, Conway offers advice drawn from personal experience.
“Stick with it and don’t get discouraged when things get hard, enjoy it,” Conway said. “It’s physically demanding, but the memories you make on and off the field are worth it.”
