This year was a great improvement over last year. Last year, they had a total of 7 girls on the JV team. It was all defense, all the time. This year they fielded a full team with a couple to sub in. Rylee played every game, all game long. She only came out if she had an injury or if she asked to. So is it better to play Varsity and ride the bench every game? Or play JV and play all game, every game? I guess it depends on the person.
Rylee grew to love the girls she played with and respect her coach. When they thought about moving her up to Varsity, she said no thanks. She didn't like the Varsity coach and half the girls on the team were not nice. She wanted to play and have fun doing it.
Rylee was very versatile this year. She prefers defender, but had the opportunity to play midfield a few games. She got several shots on goal, but the ball sailed over the cross bar because she was too far away when she kicked it. She also had the opportunity to play goalie, which makes her very nervous. But because she has a powerful boot, as long as she can save the goal, she can get the ball back on the other team's side with one kick.
One thing Rylee did really well this year was not be afraid of the ball. She controlled the ball with her head, chest, stomach, hips, knees and feet. While other girls were waiting for the ball to hit the ground before they touched it, Rylee swooped in took it away while it was still in the air. This shot was off a corner kick and hit her right in the diaphragm. It knocked the wind out of her and she had to come out of the game and get her breathe back, but she saved the goal.
Rylee was asked to be one of the team captains. She represented the defense, Jennifer (left) represented the mid-field and Haley (right) represented the forwards. They're supposed to wear armbands, but hers was too big for her skinny arm, so she had to wear it around her calf. This year was a lot of fun for Rylee. Last year, she hung back and didn't put herself out there. I saw a lot more smiles this year and the fun she was having showed in her ability and performance on the field.
Free kick after the other team was called offsides at Dobson High School. I love how this picture looks like she's going to take off and fly!
Rylee was awarded the MVP for her leadership on the team, hard work, dedication, her flexibility with her position, and her positive attitude. She received a plaque and certificate for that recognition.
Go Rylee!!! MVP!!!
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