By Quinn Kropschot
Staff Writer
While most juniors are stressed about school and college, juniors Kimby Keever and Mandy McKeegan don’t have this worry. This year they both made a verbal agreement to play soccer at the University of Washington and at UC Davis, respectively.
Keever has been playing soccer since she was four years old and started playing club soccer when she was eight. She has been a member of the Costa soccer team since her freshman year and now plays as a forward on Costa’s varsity team.
“Kimby is a dedicated player,” coach Patty Perkins said. “She brings a great energy to the field.”
Keever verbally committed to the University of Washington in June of her sophomore year. She enjoys playing soccer, and is excited to continue playing throughout college.
“My favorite part of the game is the feeling I get right after scoring a goal,” Keever said. “It’s a crazy adrenaline rush, I love celebrating with my team.”
Keever is looking forward to playing at Washington. She is also excited for the college atmosphere and the crowds. Right now, she is focusing all her energy on playing her best for Costa and her club team. Keever decided to commit to Washington because of its academics, sports and the campus.
“I am really excited to play for Washington, and have the chance to win a national championship,” Keever said. “After I toured Washington, I couldn’t see myself going to school anywhere else.”
McKeegan is also a valuable player to Costa’s soccer team. McKeegan recently verbally committed to UC Davis. McKeegan has been playing soccer since she was four years old, and has always loved the sport.
“I love the team aspect of the sport and how you are never just playing for yourself,” McKeegan said. “You’re playing to win as a team and when you do, it’s so much more rewarding.”
McKeegan’s love for soccer came from the coaches she has had throughout her life who taught her to play the sport respectfully and skillfully. She looks forward to playing for UC Davis because of the academics, and she is excited to represent her school at a Division 1 level.
“My parents have been amazing supporters of me,” McKeegan said. “They always push me to do my best and help me reach my goal of playing college soccer.”
McKeegan is looking forward to playing for UC Davis. She has learned a lot from playing for Costa and various club teams, and hopes to learn more while playing for Davis.
Mandy and Kimby have been teammates and friends for a long time. Both of them have a passion for soccer, and the sport is important to them.
“Mandy has pushed me to be the best teammate I can be both on and off the field,” Keever said. “She supports me with everything, and I’ve never had a better teammate in my life.”
Keever’s time playing soccer has taught her many lessons both on the field and off the field. Her teammates and her first club coach, Mandy Clemens, have had a major influence on her love for the game.
“I know that I can’t always have my best game or practice, but working through the struggles is what makes me a better player,” Keever said.
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