By Jordan Gross, Features Editor

It’s 4 p.m. and senior Kate Sarfert is heading out the door. She is going on a run before heading off to Reynolds High School varsity soccer practice and then returning home to finish homework, study and tackle whatever else her daily schedule requires.

For many aspiring athletes, a demanding schedule of six extracurricular activities and six advanced-placement courses is enough to make one reconsider their devotion to a sport. Additionally, a torn meniscus, a broken and sprained ankle and several concussions are enough to damage both one’s physical and mental determination. For Sarfert, however – who has endured this challenging schedule and all these sport-related injuries – quitting the sport she loves has never been a viable option.

“(Soccer) has taught me how to overcome obstacles,” Sarfert said. “After I tore my meniscus, it would have been easy for me to say, ‘Well, that’s it,’ and to focus on other things.” Instead, Sarfert worked tirelessly to “come back better and stronger than I was before the injury.”

Sarfert has been playing soccer since she was 7, when her love for the sport grew from her start on an Optimist team. She has been playing for the Reynolds varsity soccer team since her sophomore year and has been named defensive MVP and team MVP. Additionally, she plays club soccer outside of school on the ’94 North Carolina Soccer Fusion Elite team.

“Kate is the kind of player who is focused throughout practice and encourages you to push yourself to the fullest potential at every game,” senior teammate Alex Hoots said. “I’ve loved getting to play with her these past four years because of her mentality when it comes to soccer. She is a true leader on and off the field.”

Playing soccer in college has always been an aspiration of Sarfert’s. She has endured years of physical therapy and muscle rehabilitation for the recovery of her injuries, but she has endured these obstacles with great stride.

“Kate is an amazing and talented individual who has her head screwed on right,” said senior Turner Myers, a former teammate. “She contributes leadership and support on the soccer team and always has a positive attitude.”

Through soccer, Sarfert has learned how to rely on others and to work as a team to obtain a goal.

“Everyone on the team is essential to scoring goals on the field, but it also takes everyone’s cooperation and commitment to improve as a team,” she said.

Sarfert will attend the Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Va., next year and will play soccer for the NCAA Division III team. She looks forward to this experience as a chance to grow and improve.

“I’m thrilled to be attending Washington and Lee next year because I will have the opportunity to earn an outstanding education while also continuing to play the sport that I love,” Sarfert said.