By Chloe Adam
LoCoSports Staff Writer
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Ashburn (March 31, 2017) — Rock Ridge High School senior Maddie Kelsey has made a commitment to continue her soccer career at Christopher Newport University starting in the 2017-2018 school year.
“When I first committed to CNU, I was overjoyed to share this accomplishment with friends and family,” the 5-foot-5 Kelsey said. “In addition, knowing I’m going to attend CNU made the college application process less stressful.”
The Lady Phoenix senior will join the Division III Captains’ women’s soccer team this upcoming fall. In 2016, head coach Dan Weiler – the sixth coach in CNU women’s soccer history – will enter his fifth year coaching the Captains. Weiler helped propel the Captains as a dominant participant in the Capital Athletic Conference last season, outscoring their opponents 54-7, finishing 8-0-1 in conference and 17-3-1 overall.
“When I first arrived on campus it felt like a second home,” the Ashburn-native said. “Everyone was so friendly and the campus was beautiful. With a little more research about the school and meeting with the soccer coaches, I knew I found the place for me.”
The future Captain fell in love with soccer when she began playing at age three or four. She loves the competitiveness along with the teamwork and camaraderie the sport has awarded her the past twelve years.
“My favorite part about soccer is the feeling you get when your team just won a really important or difficult game,” Kelsey said. “My goal for every game is to be remembered by my opponents.”
Her role model has been her little brother, Connor, a baseball player who has always been the smallest kid on the field.
“He is the most confident and competitive player and his love for the game and winning attitude in games and life, inspire me,” Kelsey said. “I love his passion and I strive to match it.”
Kelsey gives credit to her travel team coach on the Loudoun 98 Red, Randall May. For the past seven years, she says he taught her how to be a better player and a better person.
“He has confidence in me and believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself,” the left forward said. “Without his guidance, I would not be where I am today.”
Loudoun Soccer is where Kelsey experienced some of her greatest accomplishments to date. She won two consecutive State Cups and was also selected to play in Spain and France with her state ODP team.
Kelsey – who also plays for the Rock Ridge women’s soccer team – is looking forward to her final high school season with the Lady Phoenix.
“My goal for this year is to help the team win the conference and to be a mentor and a leader for a strong group of young players,” Kelsey said. “Mostly, I want to walk off the field each game with a win, leaving no regrets about my effort or play.”
Managing her time between playing soccer and her schoolwork is something Kelsey is used to and has done for years. She is confident she will be able to do the same at CNU. Kelsey hopes to be a dynamic forward and valuable asset to her new team.
“As an incoming freshman, I hope to make an impact right away,” Kelsey said. “I know I will have to compete with older and more experienced girls, however, I am confident that if I continue to work hard, I will succeed.”
