In the home stands of the Mill Valley soccer field, sophomore Grace Goetsch reflects on her favorite memories from her freshman season. “Winning sub-state and going to state. All season that was our goal and we all worked really hard to achieve that and I couldn’t have been more proud of my team.”
Long hours spent at the soccer goal result in a life-long love of soccer for sophomore Grace Goetsch
The soccer goal is sophomore Grace Goetsch’s favorite location at Mill Valley due to the close bonds made between teammates and hard work and dedication put in there
Mill Valley students pass by the soccer goal every day, but few know its significance to the players that spend their time there. To sophomore Grace Goetsch, the soccer goal acts as a second home and reflects her hard work and determination.
Soccer has been a part of Goetsch’s life since she was three and she has been a goalkeeper since she was six. These many years in the goal led to her passion for the game.
“I have been goalkeeping since I can remember. It’s always been a way for me to get away from things going on outside the game,” Goetsch said, “It’s a stress reliever and is something I’m very passionate about.”
Varsity soccer coach Arlan Vomhof thinks that Goetsch’s love for the soccer goal is because of how much time she spends there. He notes that her skill level is a direct result of the long hours spent on the field.
“She’s one that strives to do really well and it shows. Her efforts from beginning of season to end of season [show it].” Vomhof said.
Unlike other soccer positions, there is only one goalie on the field and that allows Goetsch to be different than her teammates.
“It is a way for me to set myself apart as an individual,” Goetsch said, “It’s so cool to be able to do something you love while competing for Mill Valley.”
By being a goalkeeper, Goetsch’s responsibilities are vastly different from a field player. The team looks towards her for leadership while still maintaining a close bond.
“[The team] trusts her and she’s a good leader from that position but they also have a good time,” Vomhof said, “There’s a whole different mentality for the role of goalkeeper; not only for her to do well, but for the entire team to do well.”
While being at the soccer goal and field, Goetsch has been able to make lasting friendships with her teammates. She thinks that these close bonds are what led to their successful 15-1 season.
“I have grown so close with my team mates as well as coach [Vomhof] and I feel that is very important in order to be successful and win games,” Goetsch said.
Goetsch has learned many things in her soccer career, but says the most important thing is to never give up hope and to always keep working. By being the only person in this position a lot rests on her shoulders.
“Never give up and have determination,” Goetsch said, “You will have bad games and you may give up goals, but in order to succeed as a keeper, you have to move on and try your best for your team because your team counts on you every game.”