By Hayden Swope

Keilann Heath of Wichita Northwest grew up playing soccer with family, but little did she know that the athletes she played with would help turn her into the player she is today. 

“My older brothers actually inspired me to play soccer,” Heath said. “I would always watch their practices with my mom. The club they played for at the time didn’t have a girls team, so I played on a team with just boys for a season or two until they made a girls team. I believe playing with boys built who I am as a player because even if I was a girl they wouldn’t back down and it helped me build thicker skin on the pitch.”

Now a senior, Heath is looking to capitalize on her season, and make it the best she’s had yet. 

“Some goals I have are definitely being a better teammate and leader to my teammates over the season on and off the field and also to keep myself to a high standard while playing,” Heath said. “I’m more focused on keeping my mistakes to a minimum especially since I’m a center back and to give 110 percent every game. Post season I really want us to get the regional title again and to hopefully make it to the state tournament.”

While the big wins during the season are always embraced, Heath has focused on making the little moments count as well. 

“A memorable moment was definitely during spring break when we had practice,” Heath said. “Me and my teammate Kaelyn Mueller went undefeated in a drill we were doing. Us celebrating after every win and goofing around is a memory I’ll always cherish.”

Heath will get to continue her education and her love for soccer after high school at the next level. 

“I’m committed to Newman University on a soccer scholarship and I will be majoring in Diagnostic Medical Sonography with the end goal of becoming an ultrasound tech,” Heath said.