It has to be thrilling for a kid to not only be a part of a successful soccer program but also one that could potentially help you earn a scholarship.
At the same time, it has to be maddening when that program prohibits you from playing with your friends on your high school team.
That’s certainly how Metea Valley junior Maeve Riordan felt last year.
Now, she’s got her scholarship to Illinois and her friends back. And she’s a key reason why the Mustangs head into the postseason this week as one of the hottest teams in the state.
“I had to follow along with the club rule and not play (for Metea Valley) last year,” she said. “So I focused on committing, and once I committed I made the executive decision because I wanted to play high school. I’m good friends with a lot of the girls and I knew we could go far this year and I wanted to contribute to that.”
Metea Valley (13-3-4), which is attempting to win its fourth consecutive regional title, is 10-1-2 in its last baker’s dozen games and playing just like Riordan imagined.
“These are my very good friends on and off the field and I love my nine seniors,” she said. “All nine of them are the big reason I came back to play with them. I also wanted to represent the school and showcase the work I put in for the whole program. It’s good to be able contribute to such a great program.”
Riordan played for the Mustangs as freshman and was welcomed back with open arms this spring.
“We put the team first,” senior Abby Severson said. “Maeve helps push us to be better. We have a positive environment that’s always accepting and it’s been nice to have Maeve back. Her level of play has added to the team nicely.”
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Senior Jade Eriksen-Russo, the most dangerous offensive weapon for the Mustangs, has been impressed by how driven Riordan is on the field.
“Maeve adds a lot of different things,” Eriksen-Russo said. “She works so hard, she listens to feedback and is always looking for ways to improve herself. She’s been great.”
Riordan’s role for both club and high school have been relatively the same at forward, but the experience hasn’t.
“At Sockers FC it was more formatted,” she said. “I wouldn’t say repetitive, but everyone had ideas and that’s what we did every time. With high school it’s more flexible, more versatile and it’s very fun.”
It’s especially fun when you beat your biggest rival, Waubonsie Valley, which the Mustangs did 2-1 on April 18.
“Getting a big win in club four hours away from home is nothing like a win against a rival school on your home turf,” she said. “It’s a totally different feeling here and I love it.”
It’s one she nearly missed out on. She’s elated that she didn’t.
“I think Maeve realized how special it is to play for your school and she saw that her freshman year,” Severson said. “My personal experience in high school would not have been the same if I didn’t play with these girls. Just getting to play with your best friends, you can put into words the friends you make and it’s something that will always stay with me.”
C.R. Walker is a freelance writer for The Beacon-News.