For Lucy King, soccer wasn’t just a sport, it was part of who she was. She had been playing for years, growing stronger with every season, every tournament, and every practice. So, when she stepped into her freshman year at Rocky Mountain High School, she knew exactly what she wanted, to keep playing, to keep growing, and to represent her school with pride. Trying out for the high school team felt like the next step in her journey. She wasn’t new to soccer, but high school brought a new level of competition. The drills were faster, the players are stronger, and the expectations are higher. Lucy tried out with determination, knowing the challenge ahead. She had been training for this moment, and when the roster was posted, she had earned a spot on JV, a huge accomplishment for a freshman.
Lucy says, “My first soccer season was a great experience. I made lots of friends and loved my team.”
One of her favorite memories was dancing in the locker room before practices and belting out songs with her teammates. Those moments of joy and connection made the season unforgettable for her. But it wasn’t all easy. The biggest challenge for Lucy was switching positions, from outside back in club to wing in high school. It was a shift that tested her adaptability, but she embraced it and found it super fun. Through the season, she grew as a player, learning to be more patient with her team and accepting that mistakes were part of the game. She discovered that perfection wasn’t the goal, progress was.
Lucy thinks it was hard to handle playing soccer and schoolwork because it was challenging trying to keep up and not fall behind. But she did not give up and managed practices and games, pushing her to stay organized and focused. Her teams support made a difference as they lifted each other up during tough games, stayed positive, and built a bond that felt more like family than just teammates.
“I will never forget creating memories and friendships that I would have never had with this season playing on this team,” Lucy says, “and being able to let loose and get some touches on the ball and gain some confidence.”
Lucy Kings first season for high school wasn’t just the beginning of her high school career; it was the beginning of something bigger.
