Kelsey "WIT" Witker
Girls ’93 ECNL

(April 9, 2010) - ’93 ENCL Kelsey Witker is a perfect reflection of John Burroughs quote, "For anything worth having one must pay the price; the price is always work, patience, sacrifice - no paper currency, no promises to pay, but the gold of real service."  In addition to soccer, Witker also excels in the classroom, carrying a 3.9 G.P.A. Come take a closer look at this WPFC stellar student-athlete selected for April female player spotlight.

Who introduced you to the soccer?
My Mother

How long have years have you played in total?
12 years

Positions you currently play?
I play forward, midfield and recently stepped into a defender position.

Current boot?
Nike Tiempo

Any routines or superstitions you have prior to a match?
When you look good you play good”...thus, Hair and make-up!

Tell us about your journey thus far at WPFC?
I started playing for the club when it was the FC Royals. I played on their black team for one year. I then played for WPFC White for the next 4 years. This year I made the U-17 ECNL.

What type of supporters in the stands are your parents when you are on the pitch? Mild or Fanatic?
Ummm... Fanatic (understatment), but in a good way!

What attributes as a player do you bring to the pitch?
I am very verbal to my teammates, communication is key! I can be available to play anywhere my coaches need me.  I play forward, mid and now, defender (we haven’t tried keeper yet) lol!

What is it about this sport that captures you?
I like being in a sport where my teammates, both on and off the field allow me to be myself.  Being a good teammate is essential...you win as a team, and you lose as a team!

Arch rival?
No question... Crossfire!!

What is the major difference between the level played in ECNL and RCL?
In the ECNL there are no mediocre teams; everyone is super competitive.

How is your team doing thus far in ECNL?
We continue to travel the country... striving each game to push ourselves to the next level! I love this team! It is an amazing group of girls!

Do you or did you play any other sports?
I did play fastpitch but decided to fully commit myself to soccer about 3 years ago.

What school are you currently attending?
Bellarmine Prep

Grade level?
11th

What is your Favorite subject(s) in school?
Science

What is your least favorite subject(s) in school?
English

Current G.P.A.?
3.9

Scholastic Achievements?
National Honor Society

I understand that you are also a standout on Bellarmine’s squad ?
I enjoy playing high school ball...I appreciate my coach Joe Waters passion for the game, and my name, WIT! . It’s a very different from club soccer. We definitely do well in the AAAA Narrows League. We made it to quarter-finals this year.  Next year, nothing less than a State title!!!

What team, league or state honors have you been awarded at Bellarmine?
I was selected 1st Team All-Narrows League as a forward my sophomore year, 1st Team All-Narrows League as a midfielder, junior year.  Who knows maybe 1st Team All-Narrows League as a defender senior year?

What colleges/universities are currently holding your interest?
Boise State, University of Arizona, University of San Diego and a few others.

Any favorites yet?
Definitely Boise State at the moment.

Any thoughts as to a possible major that you may be interested in?
Something in the medical field with a business degree.

Favorite women’s professional Team?
US WNT

Who is your favorite player currently still playing? Why?
Hope Solo. She’s tough; always leaves it all on the pitch.

What are you listening to in your Ipod these days?
I like all music genres; depends on my mood.

Best moment on the pitch this season?
When my coaches decided to move me back to defender and I clicked!

Worse moment?
I haven’t had one, it’s called the beautiful game for a reason.

Any advice for players striving to reach a higher level of play?
I had the fortunate experience to play four years on the "White" team in my age group.  I feel like my former coaches and teammates helped to make me the type of player that I am today.  I definitely grew from that experience and it made appreciate playing for my current team that much more.  My advice to any player on a “white” team is never give up... continue to work hard to be the best you can be. Regardless of which team you play for, you play for WPFC - always be dedicated and committed no matter what team you play for.

Any people you’d like to thank for your progression on the pitch?
I would like to thank my prior coaches Bill White, Mike White, and Jason Baumgardt who all made a huge impact on my understanding and love for the game.  Also sincere thanks to my current coaches, Kevin Zamira, Scott Halaz, Brian Van and Jeff Russ who had the faith in me to give me a shot at the “Big League” this year. I feel like I have proved them proud and confident in their decision! These men are great coaches who have truly taken my play on the pitch to the next level. I am very grateful and humbled by the opportunity to play for them. Lastly, my parents, grandparents, my brother Luke, aunties, uncles, cousins and all my other family and friends are amazing support.  I really love my personal "cheering section." No matter where I go I know they will follow me with pride and unconditional love!

What individual and/or team goals have you set for your ENCL and upcoming Narrow’s League season?
Win, Win, Win...and have fun doing it!!!!!

Kelsey this concludes our interview this evening. Thank you for taking time out of your evening for this interview. In closing I’d like to say that I thoroughly enjoyed interviewing you. Much success onthe rest of your season.
Thank you.