With a competitive and positive attitude, freshman and midfielder Madelynn Bilger continues to set the standard for Santa Fe’s Girls varsity soccer team. Aside from playing for her school, she also plays for WSA OKC ECNL-RL 10G.
Bilger has been on the soccer field for 12 years. She decided to play soccer at a young age because it made her feel different from other sports.
“When I was younger, I tried a few different sports but kept playing soccer because it was the one I loved the most,” Bilger said.
Being on varsity means playing with a ton of upperclassmen. Bilger found it nerve-racking at first knowing she would have to prove herself to play with them. Practicing almost every day and playing games twice a week with these upperclassmen later on made Bilger more comfortable and less scared. Melissa Thompson and Ethan Barnes, the varsity coaches, have also made Bilger feel supported and encouraged.
“Sometimes they would give me advice on something I should fix or to keep doing, and I really appreciate the feedback, knowing that they want to help me get better,” Bilger said.
Motivation is a key aspect in soccer to keep you pushing and enjoy playing. Bilger’s motivation comes from competition and fixing her mistakes. When making a mistake, Bilger works hard to fix it next game or practice. Often in varsity, they watch the film and find their mistakes, then they go over it as a group and discuss what could be fixed.
Being a student-athlete means balancing work as well as their sport. Bilger usually does her work all in class or in her free time. Varsity games are usually at 6-7:30 which is pretty late, and the majority of them are on school nights. Even when getting home late, Bilger puts her devotion into her school work as well as she would in soccer.
“On game days it’s hard, so I stay up pretty late finishing any homework I have,” Bilger said.
Before games, Bilger likes to have a pre-game routine. This consists of listening to music, talking to friends and eating a few snacks.
“I like to eat two little sandwiches, eat some fruit and drink my iced coffee five to eight minutes before we get to the field,” Bilger said.
Making mistakes doesn’t mean it’s the end of the world and Bilger stands by that saying. For future freshman soccer athletes, it’s important to keep that in mind to become your best.
“If you make a mistake, just think about what you can do next to improve, and do your best,” Bilger said.
Bilger’s first season went very well. Her connecting with people and winning was what made her enjoy this season. Santa Fe’s varsity girls soccer is now in the playoffs and got second in the district.
