The Mitchell High School varsity girls soccer team battled Draughn High School to a 1-1 tie after double overtime last Wednesday.
Freshman Abby King scored first for Mitchell before Draughn scored a goal of their own.
“It was the best game we played,” said player Sadie van Brederode. “We had many runs on the goal and went into overtime but neither team scored and it was kept at a tie.”
Madison Sparks, a junior, reflected on the season, saying “This soccer season has been incredible despite all the challenges we’ve faced. For me, it was especially tough dealing with a knee injury early on, going through physical therapy and rehab, making a comeback, and then getting injured again.”
Sparks praised her team’s sense of community and collegial spirit.
“But the love and support from the entire team have made it so much easier,” she said. “While I would have much rather been out on the field than watching from the sidelines, I’ve still loved seeing each player learn, grow, and evolve as both athletes and people.”
Sparks said the team has improved greatly this season.
“Watching the younger girls figure things out and the older, more experienced players step up to lead has been so rewarding,” she said. “Sure, we wanted to win, but every program has to start somewhere, and I truly believe this is just the beginning of something amazing. I’m so grateful to be part of this team and can’t wait to see how we keep building from here!”