By Hannah Ossman

Sophomore goalkeeper for Bartlesville High School’s soccer team Sawyer Kirkland is anticipating good things for this upcoming season.

Sawyer has been at the sport for the majority of her life, starting to play at just five years old. At first it was just something to do, but she quickly grew to love soccer.

“What I love most about soccer is the team aspect. You cannot succeed with just one person. I also love the overall competitiveness of it,” said Sawyer.

Sawyer is looking forward to playing this season. One of her favorite memories was when she was a starter for her first varsity game as a freshman. Sawyer also plays soccer on a competitive club team, where her favorite memory is winning in the Plano Invitational Tournament earlier this year.

Along with soccer, Sawyer is also a member of student council, math club, National Honor Society, and Interact Club. At Tri County Technology Center, she is an ambassador for their BioMed program as well as a member of HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America).

Her teammates are the best part of playing soccer. They motivate her every day to be the best that she can be.

“My teammates mean the absolute world to me. From seniors down to freshman, they all play a crucial role for our program and I am constantly inspired by them,” said Sawyer.

An important role model in Sawyer’s life is her club coach, Jamie Peterson. She appreciates how Jamie has always led her team in a Godly way and inspires them on and off the field.

“He is always willing to put in the extra time and effort to see us go where we want with our soccer career. It is so inspiring to see someone believe in you that much,” said Sawyer.

Sawyer is hopeful for this season as well as upcoming seasons, and believes her team has a great chance of winning state. That is her goal for herself and for her team, and they are all willing to put in the work to get there.