[Q&A] Meet four players set for girls soccer playoffs

Isabel Canizales, Special Contributor

Nadia Lawrence

Grade: 12

Senior Nadia Lawrence reacts after scoring on a free kick against Lumberton as Brynn Baldon, 11, Sienna Morales, 11, and Lexi Villanueva, 11, rush to congratulate her.

Position: Center back 

How long have you played soccer?

“Since I was 5.”

How did you get involved in soccer?

“My dad introduced me to recreational soccer because my sister was doing it too.”

What do you remember most about playing soccer when you were younger?

“After seasons would end we would get participation trophies and would make friends and continue playing soccer with them.”

What is your favorite part of the game?

“Right after someone scores on the team we cheer and scream.”

What is your favorite pre-game meal?

Raising Canes

What is your favorite thing to do after a game?

“Taking cold showers to soothe my muscles.”

What is your jersey number?

“17. It was my older sister’s number when she was on JV, and I took it over when I was on JV.”

Who were you cheering for in the World Cup?

“France because my grandmother likes France and used to live in Romania.”

Who is your favorite professional soccer player? 

Rachel Daly

What do you wish more people understood about soccer?

“Some people think it’s boring but you have to understand skill and effort goes into it.”


Bailey Ricker 

Grade: 12

Position: Outside forward or center forward 

How long have you played soccer?

“Since I was 5.”

Senior Bailey Ricker looks up the field in a game against Huntsville at home in February. (Maya Ortiz)

How did you get involved in soccer?

“My family plays.”

What do you remember most about playing soccer when you were younger?

“I was overseas so probably the European clubstyles.”

What is your favorite part of the game?

“When we’re all connecting well and playing for each other .”

What is your favorite pre-game meal?

Celsius

What is your favorite thing to do after a game?

“Take a hot shower because the games are cold.”

What is your jersey number?

“I chose 7, because my brother passed away at 7.”

Who were you cheering for in the World Cup?

“Argentina because my dad lived there for two years.”

Who is your favorite professional soccer player? 

“Mallory Pugh because she got to a really high level; and I went through some stuff when I was little and had to work my way up.”

What do you wish more people understood about soccer and why?

“I wish people understood it’s not a slow game and it’s quick thinking.”


Krisslyn Boyles

Grade: 10th

Position: Forward, usually one of the wings

Sophomore Krisslyn Boyles takes the ball up the field to create a scoring opportunity. (Maya Ortiz)

How did you get involved in soccer?

“Whenever I was younger we played soccer at my church and I would do whatever my older sister would do.”

What do you remember most about playing soccer when you were younger?

“Probably just having fun with my friends when I was little.”

What is your favorite part of the game?

“Just like when our team is connecting really well and we have the ball under control.”

What is your favorite pre-game meal?

“I really like Smoothie King. I get a 30 oz. angel food one.”

What is your favorite thing to do after a game?

“Sometimes we go to eat with the team.”

What is your jersey number and is there any significance to it?

“23. There’s not really any significance. Last year, coach asked me what number between 23 or 24. He said 23 is more of a dangerous number, so I stuck with it.”

Who did you cheer for in the World Cup. 

“France. I didn’t really have a reason, but I like Mbappe.” 

Who is your favorite professional soccer player? 

“Messi because how good he is.”

What do you wish more people understood about soccer and why?

“That soccer is a team sport, and even if someone scores it took the team to get it in the position.”


Liv Roach

Grade: 12

Position: Attacking mid or defensive mid

Liv Roach picks the ball from a Lumberton player during a 2-0 victory on Jan. 7 during the Humble ISD Tournament. (Maya Ortiz)

How long have you played soccer?

“Since I was 9.”

How did you first get involved in soccer?

“My family is a big soccer family.”

What do you remember most about playing soccer when you were little? 

“My dad coaching me while playing rec.”

What is your favorite part of the game?

“I just like the sport. It’s fun and it’s a mind game.”

What is your favorite pre-game meal? 

“McDonald’s Happy Meal chicken nuggets.”

What is your favorite thing to do after a game? 

“Go out to eat with friends. It’s a nice way to end the night.”

What is your jersey number?

“9. There’s no significance to it, except I’ve had it all four years of high school.”

How closely did you watch the World Cup? 

“Very closely. I was watching all the games except the ones at 4 a.m. I was cheering for Argentina and England.”

Who is your favorite professional soccer player and why? 

Kevin De Bruyne. He has a vision of the game.”

What do you wish more people understood about soccer and why?

“That it’s not as easy to be good at it.”