By Ken Hansard
Annalys Rivas, who plays goaltender for the Wichita Heights High girls’ soccer team, appears to have a bright future ahead of her, and it’s only just getting started. Rivas, just a sophomore, claimed the staring position in goal for the Falcons in her freshman season and eventually went on to be voted to the All-City League first team (GWAL). Heading into this season, Rivas was named one of 25 6A girls’ soccer players to watch in 2024.
Despite her early successes, Rivas is taking nothing for granted and is appreciative of the opportunities she has been given, “I was really proud to be named first team All-City. It was such an honor to be picked out of all the great goalkeepers in the league.”
The Falcons are playing under a new coach this year, and Rivas is excited about the team’s prospects moving forward, “This season has started off strong, and I hope to keep building off of this momentum for the rest of the season.”
Even though Rivas is still just a sophomore, she realizes that her position on the field and in the locker room dictates that she speak up as a leader. “One of my challenges is to keep our team in every game to the best of my ability.
I see my role as just being there for the new girls on the team. I also need to continue to be a leader on the field.”
The short-term focus for Annalys is quite simple, “I just want to continue working hard, put my best effort into every game, and communicate with my teammates on the field
Rivas would like to continue to play soccer collegiately following her high school career.
